Remote engagement of coupling mechanism for vehicle intrusion detection device

ABSTRACT

A vehicle theft-prevention apparatus can include a locking mechanism, at least one computing device, and a cylindrical body including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can be configured to rotate about the second portion. The at least one computing device can be configured to determine that the locking mechanism has transitioned from an unlocked state to a locked state. In response to determining that the locking mechanism has transitioned to the locked state, the at least one computing device can disable an engaging component of the locking mechanism. The at least one computing device can be configured to receive, via a network, a command to enable the engaging component. In response to receiving the command, the at least one computing device can enable the engaging component of the locking mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. PatentApplication No. 62/883,875, filed Aug. 7, 2019, titled “SYSTEMS,METHODS, AND APPARATUSES FOR AUTOMOBILE ACCESS AND INTRUSION DETECTION,”which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to systems, methods,apparatuses, and devices for detecting intrusions, and more particularlyto detecting, monitoring, and preventing intrusions in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Previous approaches to intrusion detection systems for vehiclesgenerally include outdated technology, such as switches built into doorlocks, for detecting entry into a locked vehicle. The typical responseto detecting such entry is sounding an alarm sourced from the vehicle;however, the alarm is only made known to those within a close proximityto the vehicle to hear the alarm, and is frequently not effective foralerting the vehicle owner of the intrusion. Furthermore, environmentalfactors (e.g., loud noises, strong winds, etc.) frequently cause falsealarms, which creates confusion for automobile owners and nearbypedestrians, and also has led to desensitivity to audio-only car alarms.In addition, previous alarm systems may only be controllable onsite and,thus, a user may be unable to deactivate, activate, or monitor the alarmsystem remotely.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt but unresolved need for improvedsystems, methods, and apparatuses for automobile access and intrusiondetection.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Briefly described, and according to one embodiment, aspects of thepresent disclosure generally relate to intrusion detection systems.

In one embodiment, the intrusion detection system includes one or moresecurity devices configured to communicate with a computing environmentand/or a mobile application running on a mobile device, such as asmartphone. The security device can be installed within or on a vehicleand can include one or more sensors for detecting activities in andaround the vehicle. The security device, computing environment, and/ormobile application can analyze readings from the sensor to determine ifa potential intrusion event is about to occur or has already occurred.Generally, an intrusion event refers to a human presence (authorized orunauthorized) within a vehicle or within a predetermined proximity tothe vehicle.

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the systemincludes one or more sensors that can be located throughout a vehicleand/or integrated into a security device, each sensor being configuredfor communication over a network. The sensors may include passiveinfrared (“PIR”) sensors, audio sensors, video sensors (e.g., wide-angleand high-definition video cameras), microwave sensors, GPS sensors,radar sensors, other motion detection sensors, etc. In some embodiments,in response to one or more of the sensors detecting a trigger event, analarm state may be initiated at the security device, wherein the alarmstate causes the device to emit a sound and/or transmit a notificationto the mobile device for presenting an alert relating to the detectedtrigger event. The detected trigger event could be a noise detectedwithin the monitored automobile (e.g., sound from a shattered window),body heat detected via the PIR sensor, an opened door detected via aradar sensor, etc. In certain embodiments, sound from shattering awindow is typically within a certain decibel and frequency range, whichcan be detected by the audio sensor. Thus, in various embodiments, thesystem can process noises to recognize a shattered window withrelatively high confidence, and not mistake a different loud noise (suchas other cars honking) as an intrusion.

In one example scenario, if the PIR sensor detects body heat within theautomobile, the PIR sensor may transmit a command to the systemprocessor for entering the alarm state. In various embodiments, thealarm state may initiate an audible alarm at the device/apparatus in theautomobile for deterring the intruder, initiate recording of theinterior (and/or exterior) of the automobile via the video sensor, andtransmit notice of the alarm state to the one or more mobile computingdevices associated with the apparatus. In a particular embodiment,transmitting notice of the alarm state to the one or more mobilecomputing devices may include transmitting a message (e.g., SMS or thelike) to the mobile computing device, where the message includes a textdescription relating to the alarm state. In certain embodiments, themessage is received at a mobile application, where a user may access themessage and furthermore establish a real-time session for receiving datafrom the sensors. This real-time session can include an audio and videostream of the monitored area (e.g., the automobile interior), or otherdata readings. The real-time session can be automatically initiated atthe mobile application in response to the security device detecting apotential event and/or upon the security device being configured to analarm or other particular state.

In some embodiments, the security device and/or sensors are calibratedbased on a profile of a vehicle in which they are installed. Forexample, frequency thresholds for audio sensors can be lowered based ona profile of the vehicle that indicates the windows thereof are thickerthan windows of vehicles of other makes (e.g., and thus corresponding toa lower frequency sound being emitted during breakage). In at least oneembodiment, the security device is configured to communicate with one ormore external systems including, but not limited to, manufacturerservices systems or emergency systems, such as UConnect® or OnStar®,ecommerce systems, such as online retailers or point-of-sale devices,and Internet-of-Things systems, such as smart speakers, appliances,garages, etc.

According to a first aspect, a vehicle theft-prevention apparatus,comprising: A) a first portion of a cylindrical body; B) a secondportion of the cylindrical body, the first portion configured to rotateabout the second portion; C) a locking mechanism configured to: 1)engage based on rotation of the first portion relative to the secondportion in a first direction, and 2) disengage based on a rotation ofthe first portion relative to the second portion in a second direction;and D) a slip clutch mechanism configured to prevent the lockingmechanism from further engaging from rotation in the first directionrelative to the second portion based on a magnitude of force applied.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe first aspect or any other aspect, wherein the cylindrical body isconfigured to mount in a cup holder of a vehicle.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe first aspect or any other aspect, wherein the locking mechanism isconfigured to engage by providing an outward force on the cup holder andthe slip clutch mechanism prevents a magnitude of the outward force frommeeting or exceeding a predefined threshold.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe first aspect, further comprising: A) a plurality of sensors disposedwithin the cylindrical body; and B) at least one computing device incommunication with the plurality of sensors and disposed within thecylindrical body, wherein the at least one computing device isconfigured to: 1) enter into an armed mode; 2) determine an intrusioninto a vehicle while in the armed mode based at least in part onmeasurements from the plurality of sensors; and 3) generate an alarm inresponse to the intrusion.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe first aspect or any other aspect, further comprises a plurality oflegs configured to extend outward as the first portion is rotatedrelative to the second portion in the first direction.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe first aspect or any other aspect, wherein each of the plurality oflegs comprises a first material at a distal end with a coefficient offriction greater than that of a second material of the plurality oflegs.

According to a second aspect, a device for use in a vehicle, comprising:A) a first portion of a body; B) a second portion of the body, the firstportion configured to rotate about the second portion; C) a lockingmechanism embedded within the second portion and configured to: 1)extend at least one leg based on rotation of the first portion relativeto the second portion in a first direction; and 2) retract the at leastone leg based on a rotation of the first portion relative to the secondportion in a second direction; and 3) a clutch mechanism embedded withinthe body and configured to prevent the locking mechanism from furtherextending the at least one leg from rotation in the first directionrelative to the second portion based on a magnitude of force applied.

According to a further aspect, the device of the second aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the clutch mechanism comprises: a first disk and asecond disk configured to rotate about an axis of rotation of the firstportion and the second portion.

According to a further aspect, the device of the second aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising a third disk coupled to a cam andmechanically coupled to the first portion of the body, the third diskcomprising at least one pin and being configured to: A) move between afirst position and a second position along the axis of rotation based ona movement of the cam; B) cause the at least one pin to pass through atleast one aperture in the first disk when moving from the first positionto the second position; and C) cause the at least one pin to retractfrom the at least one aperture in the first disk when moving from thesecond position to the first position, wherein the first disk rotatesresponsive to a rotation of the first portion relative to the secondportion when the at least one pin passes through the at least oneaperture, and the first disk remains stationary responsive to a rotationof the first portion relative to the second portion when the at leastone pin is retracted from the at least one aperture.

According to a further aspect, the device of the second aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the first disk comprises a protrusion configuredto: A) contact an inclined plane of the second disk when the firstportion rotates relative to the second portion in the first direction;B) apply a force to the inclined plane according to a force applied tothe first portion to rotate relative to the second portion; and C) causea rotation of the second disk based on the force applied to the inclineplane.

According to a further aspect, the device of the second aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the protrusion is configured to contact a secondinclined plane of the second disk when the first portion rotatesrelative to the second portion in the second direction.

According to a further aspect, the device of the second aspect or anyother aspect, wherein an angle of friction of the inclined plane is lessthan an angle of friction of the second inclined plane.

According to a further aspect, the device of the second aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the protrusion comprises a spring and the clutchmechanism prevents the locking mechanism from further extending by theat least one leg based on the magnitude of force by: A) compressing thespring based on a vertical component of the force applied to theinclined plane until the magnitude of the force meeting or exceeding thethreshold; and B) causing the protrusion to traverse the inclined planebased on a movement of the protrusion.

According to a third aspect, a method for securing a theft-preventionapparatus into a vehicle, comprising: A) inserting the theft-preventionapparatus into a cup holder of the vehicle; B) rotating a first portionof a theft-prevention apparatus relative to a second portion of thetheft-prevention apparatus; C) extending at least one protrusion outwardfrom a body of the theft-prevention apparatus in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the first portionabout the second portion; and D) triggering a clutch mechanism when aforce of rotation of the first portion about the second portion meets orexceeds a predetermined threshold.

According to a further aspect, the method of the third aspect or anyother aspect, wherein extending the at least one protrusion outwardcomprises moving the at least one protrusion along an elongated track toguide the at least one protrusion outward from the body of thetheft-prevention apparatus.

According to a further aspect, the method of the third aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising translating, via the clutch mechanism,a rotational motion of the first portion into a linear motion of the atleast one protrusion.

According to a further aspect, the method of the third aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pluralityof legs configured to apply an outward force against an interior facingsurface of the cup holder.

According to a further aspect, the method of the third aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising: A) receiving, via at least onecomputing device, a request from a network to disable engagement of alocking mechanism of the theft-prevention apparatus, the lockingmechanism comprising the first portion, the second portion, and theclutch mechanism; and B) in response to the request, rotating a cam toretract at least one pin from at least one aperture of the clutchmechanism.

According to a further aspect, the method of the third aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising: A) receiving, via at least onecomputing device, a request from a network to enable engagement of alocking mechanism of the theft-prevention apparatus, the lockingmechanism comprising the first portion, the second portion, and theclutch mechanism; and B) in response to the request, rotating a cam toextend at least one pin into at least one aperture of the clutchmechanism.

According to a further aspect, the method of the third aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the at least one protrusion extends outwardthrough at least one slot in the body. According to a fourth aspect, avehicle theft-prevention apparatus, comprising: A) a first portion of acylindrical body; B) a second portion of the cylindrical body, the firstportion configured to rotate about the second portion; C) a lockingmechanism; and D) at least one computing device configured to: 1)determine that the locking mechanism has transitioned from an unlockedstate to a locked state; 2) in response to determining that the lockingmechanism has transitioned to the locked state, disable an engagingcomponent of the locking mechanism; 3) receive, via a network, a commandto enable the engaging component; and 4) in response to receiving thecommand, enabling the engaging component of the locking mechanism.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fourth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device comprises a processor and a memory embedded within thevehicle theft-prevention apparatus.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fourth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the locking mechanismcomprises a cam motor and the at least one computing device isconfigured to disable the engaging component of the locking mechanism bytransmitting an electrical signal to cause the cam motor to rotate acam.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fourth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the cam is configured tolift at least one pin from at least one aperture to mechanicallydecouple the first portion from a plurality of legs.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fourth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the locking mechanism isconfigured to: A) disengage the lock based on a rotation of the firstportion relative to the second portion in a first direction when theengaging component is enabled; and B) remain engaged based on a rotationof the first portion relative to the second portion in a first directionwhen the engaging component is disabled.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fourth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the locking mechanism isconfigured to: A) engage the lock based on a rotation of the firstportion relative to the second portion in a second direction when theengaging component is enabled; and B) remain engaged based on a rotationof the first portion relative to the second portion in the seconddirection when the engaging component is disabled.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fourth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is configured to determine that the locking mechanismhas transitioned from the unlocked state to the locked state responsiveto receiving a command over a network from a mobile computing device.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fourth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is configured to determine that the locking mechanismhas transitioned from the locked state to the unlocked state responsiveto receiving a second command over the network from the mobile computingdevice.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fourth or any other aspect, wherein the at least one computingdevice is configured to determine that the locking mechanism hastransitioned from the unlocked state to the locked state in response todetermining that a clutch mechanism has slipped.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fourth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) determine that a mobilecomputing device is within a predetermined distance from the vehicletheft-prevention apparatus; and B) enable the engaging component inresponse to the mobile computing device being within the predetermineddistance.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fourth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) determine that a mobilecomputing device is outside of a predetermined distance from the vehicletheft-prevention apparatus; and B) disable the engaging component inresponse to the mobile computing device being outside of thepredetermined distance.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fourth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) determine that a key fobis within a predetermined distance from the vehicle theft-preventionapparatus; and B) enable the engaging component in response to the keyfob being within the predetermined distance.

According to a fifth aspect, a vehicle theft-prevention system,comprising: A) a mobile software application that, when executed by atleast one first computing device, causes the at least one firstcomputing device to: 1) receive a request to disable an engagementcomponent of a locking mechanism of a theft-prevention device; and 2)send a command to the theft-prevention device to disable the engagementcomponent; and B) the theft-prevention device comprising: 1) the lockingmechanism comprising the engagement component; and 2) at least onesecond computing device configured to: 1) receive the command to disablethe engagement component from the at least one first computing device;and 2) in response to receiving the command, disable the engagementcomponent of the locking mechanism.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention system ofthe fifth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the theft-preventiondevice further comprises: A) a first portion of a body; and B) a secondportion of the body, the first portion configured to rotate about thesecond portion.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention system ofthe fifth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the locking mechanism isconfigured to: A) cause a plurality of legs to extend in response to arotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a firstdirection when the engagement component is enabled; and B) cause theplurality of legs to remain stationary in response to a rotation of thefirst portion relative to the second portion in the first direction whenthe engagement component is disabled.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention system ofthe fifth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the locking mechanism isconfigured to: A) cause the plurality of legs to retract in response toa rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in asecond direction when the engagement component is enabled; and B) causethe plurality of legs to remain stationary in response to a rotation ofthe first portion relative to the second portion in the second directionwhen the engagement component is disabled.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention system ofthe fifth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the engagement componentcomprises a cam motor configured to rotate a cam, the cam beingconfigured to pull a plurality of pins from within a plurality ofapertures to mechanically decouple a first portion from a plurality oflegs.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention system ofthe fifth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the engagement componentcomprises a cam motor configured to rotate a cam, and the cam isconfigured to push a plurality of pins into a plurality of apertures tomechanically couple a first portion to a plurality of legs.

According to a sixth aspect, a method of disengaging a lockingmechanism, comprising: A) rotating a first portion of a vehicletheft-prevention apparatus in a first direction relative to a secondportion; B) extending, via a locking mechanism, a plurality of legs tosecure the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus into a cup holder of avehicle based on the first portion rotating relative to the secondportion; and C) subsequent to extending the plurality of legs,mechanically decoupling the first portion from the plurality of legs.

According to a further aspect, the method of the sixth aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising: A) preventing movement of theplurality of legs when the plurality of pins are retracted from theplurality of apertures; and B) retracting the plurality of legs inresponse to a rotation of the first portion relative to the secondportion when the plurality of pins are inserted into the plurality ofapertures.

According to a seventh aspect, a vehicle theft-prevention apparatus,comprising: A) a first sensor configured to sense a first type ofmeasurement; B) a second sensor configured to sense a second type ofmeasurement; C) at least one computing device coupled to the firstsensor and second sensor, the at least one computing device configuredto: 1) read a plurality of measurements of the first type of measurementfrom the first sensor at a predetermined frequency from within avehicle; 2) in response to one of the plurality of measurements meetinga predetermined threshold, read at least one measurement from the secondsensor in the vehicle; and 3) determining that the one of the pluralityof measurements meeting or exceeding the predetermined thresholdcorresponds to a false positive based on the at least one measurementfrom the second sensor.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe seventh aspect or any other aspect, wherein the first sensor is apassive infrared (PIR) sensor and the second sensor is one of: amicrowave sensor or an ultrasound sensor.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe seventh aspect or any other aspect, wherein a power usage of thefirst sensor when performing measurements is less than a power usage ofthe second sensor when performing measurements.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe seventh aspect or any other aspect, wherein the second sensor isdisabled until the one of the plurality of measurements meets thepredetermined threshold and the at least one computing device is furtherconfigured to enable the second sensor responsive to the predeterminedthreshold being met.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe seventh aspect or any other aspect, wherein a power usage of theapparatus is greater when the second sensor is enabled.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe seventh aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to configure a sensitivity forthe first sensor and the second sensor based on a downloaded profile.

According to an eighth aspect, a vehicle theft-prevention apparatus,comprising: A) a first sensor configured to sense a first type ofmeasurement; B) a second sensor configured to sense a second type ofmeasurement; C) at least one computing device coupled to the firstsensor and second sensor, the at least one computing device configuredto: 1) read a plurality of measurements of the first type of measurementfrom the first sensor at a predetermined frequency from within avehicle; 2) in response to one of the plurality of measurements meetingor exceeding a predetermined threshold, read at least one measurementfrom the second sensor within the vehicle; and 3) determining that theone of the plurality of measurements meeting or exceeding thepredetermined threshold does not correspond to a false positive based onthe at least one measurement from the second sensor.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe eighth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) receive a profilecorresponding to a type of the vehicle; and B) configure a sensitivityfor at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor based on theprofile.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe eighth aspect or any other aspect, further comprising a batterydevice configured to power the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus.

According to a ninth aspect, a method for detecting a vehicle intrusion,comprising: A) reading, via a first sensor, a plurality of measurementsof a first type at a predetermined frequency from within a vehicle; B)responsive to at least one of the plurality of measurements meeting athreshold, reading, via a second sensor, at least one measurement of asecond type; and C) determining whether the at least one of theplurality of measurements meeting the threshold corresponds to a falsepositive based on the at least one measurement of the second type.

According to a further aspect, the method of the ninth aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising initiating a warning action in responseto a false positive.

According to a further aspect, the method of the ninth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor areenclosed within a vehicle theft-prevention apparatus.

According to a further aspect, the method of the ninth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the first sensor is a passive infrared (PIR)sensor and the second sensor is one of: a microwave sensor or anultrasound sensor.

According to a further aspect, the method of the ninth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein a power usage of the first sensor when performingmeasurements is less than a power usage of the second sensor whenperforming measurements.

According to a further aspect, the method of the ninth aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising disabling the second sensor until theone of the plurality of measurements meets the predetermined threshold.

According to a further aspect, the method of the ninth aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising enabling the second sensor responsiveto the predetermined threshold being met.

According to a further aspect, the method of the ninth aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising: A) receiving a selection of a make andmodel of the vehicle; and B) determining at least one profilecorresponding to the make and model of the vehicle.

According to a further aspect, the method of the ninth aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising: A) downloading the at least oneprofile; B) setting a first sensor sensitivity for the first sensorbased on the profile; and C) setting a second sensor sensitivity for thesecond sensor based on the profile.

According to a further aspect, the method of the ninth aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising: A) determining that a plurality ofprofiles correspond to the make and model of the vehicle; B) receiving aselection of a specific one of the plurality of profiles; and C)configuring at least one property for detecting the vehicle intrusionbased on the selection.

According to a further aspect, the method of the ninth aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising generating a user interface comprisinga plurality of profiles and a plurality of metadata individuallycorresponding to a respective one of the plurality of profiles, whereinthe selection is received via the user interface.

According to a tenth aspect, a vehicle theft-prevention apparatus,comprising: A) a first sensor configured to sense a first type ofmeasurement in a vehicle; B) a second sensor configured to sense asecond type of measurement in the vehicle; C) at least one computingdevice coupled to the first sensor and second sensor, the at least onecomputing device configured to: 1) read a plurality of measurements ofthe first type of measurement from the first sensor at a predeterminedfrequency; 2) in response to one of the plurality of measurementsmeeting or exceeding a predetermined threshold, read at least onemeasurement from the second sensor; and 3) determine that a person hasentered the vehicle based on the at least one measurement from thesecond sensor.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe tenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onemeasurement comprises an image, the second sensor comprises a camera,and the at least one computing device is further configured to performimage recognition on the image to detect the person in the vehicle.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe tenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least one computingdevice is further configured to: A) process a plurality of images from avideo stream of the camera; and B) identify a face in at least one ofthe plurality of images.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe tenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least one computingdevice is further configured to: A) determine a plurality ofcharacteristics about the face based on at least one facial recognitionalgorithm; and B) search a data store to determine an identification ofthe face based on the plurality of characteristics.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe tenth aspect or any other aspect, further comprising: A) a firstportion of a body; B) a second portion of the body, the first portionconfigured to rotate about the second portion; and C) a lockingmechanism embedded within the second portion.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe tenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the locking mechanism isconfigured to: A) extend at least one leg based on rotation of the firstportion relative to the second portion in a first direction, and B)retract the at least one leg based on a rotation of the first portionrelative to the second portion in a second direction.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe tenth aspect or any other aspect, the at least one computing deviceconfigured to: A) in response to one of the plurality of measurementsmeeting or exceeding a predetermined threshold, read at least one secondmeasurement from a third sensor; and B) determine that a person hasentered the vehicle further based on the at least one second measurementfrom the third sensor.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe tenth aspect or any other aspect, the at least one computing deviceconfigured to: A) in response to one of the plurality of measurementsmeeting or exceeding a predetermined threshold, read at least one thirdmeasurement from a fourth sensor; and B) determine that a person hasentered the vehicle further based on the at least one third measurementfrom the fourth sensor.

According to an eleventh aspect, a vehicle theft-prevention system,comprising: A) at least one service; and B) a sensing devicecomprising: 1) a first sensor configured to sense a first type ofmeasurement in a vehicle; 2) a second sensor configured to sense asecond type of measurement in the vehicle; 3) at least one computingdevice coupled to the first sensor and second sensor, the at least onecomputing device configured to: i) read a plurality of measurements ofthe first type of measurement from the first sensor at a predeterminedfrequency; ii) read a plurality of second measurements of the secondtype of measurement from the second sensor at a predetermined frequency;and iii) send an indication that a person has entered the vehicle to theat least one service based on the plurality of measurements and theplurality of second measurements.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention system ofthe eleventh aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least oneservice is configured to: A) receive the indication that a person hasentered the vehicle; and B) push a notification of a break-in to atleast one user device.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention system ofthe eleventh aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least oneservice is configured to: A) receive the indication that a person hasentered the vehicle; B) receive a video stream from the sensing device;and C) stream the video stream to at least one user device.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention system ofthe eleventh aspect or any other aspect, further comprising: A) a body;and B) a clutch mechanism embedded within the body and configured toprevent a locking mechanism from further extending at least one legbased on a magnitude of force applied.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention system ofthe eleventh aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device configured to determine that a person has entered thevehicle based on the plurality of measurements and the plurality ofsecond measurements.

According to a twelfth aspect, a method for preventing theft in avehicle, comprising: A) reading, via a first sensor, a plurality ofmeasurements of a first type in a vehicle; B) reading, via a secondsensor, a plurality of second measurements of a second type in thevehicle; and C) determining that a person has entered the vehicle basedon at least one measurement from each of the plurality of measurementsand the plurality second measurements.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twelfth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the second sensor comprises a temperature sensorand a person is determined to have entered the vehicle in response to arate of change of temperature meeting or exceeding a threshold.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twelfth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the second sensor comprises a thermal imagingsensor and a person is determined to have entered the vehicle inresponse to identifying a thermal change in the vehicle that meets orexceeds a threshold.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twelfth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the second sensor comprises an air pressure sensorand a person is determined to have entered the vehicle in response to arate of change in air pressure in the vehicle meeting a threshold.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twelfth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the second sensor comprises a humidity sensor anda person is determined to have entered the vehicle in response to achange in humidity in the vehicle.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twelfth aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising reading, via a third sensor, aplurality of third measurements of a third type in the vehicle, whereindetermining that the person has entered the vehicle is further based onthe plurality of third measurements.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twelfth aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising reading, via a fourth sensor, aplurality of fourth measurements of a fourth type in the vehicle,wherein determining that the person has entered the vehicle is furtherbased on the plurality of fourth measurements.

According to a thirteenth aspect, a vehicle theft-prevention apparatus,comprising: A) a plurality of sensors configured to sense measurementsproximate to a vehicle; B) a wireless transceiver; and C) at least onecomputing device coupled to the plurality of sensors and the wirelesstransceiver, the at least one computing device configured to: 1) read aplurality of measurements of the plurality of sensors; 2) determine thatat least one event has occurred based on the plurality of measurements;3) store data corresponding to the at least one event on a local storagecoupled to the at least one computing device; and 4) transmit, via thewireless transceiver, the data corresponding to the at least one eventto a remote service.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe thirteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to capture data from at least onadditional sensor in response to determining that the at least one eventhas occurred.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe thirteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) enable the wirelesstransceiver before transmitting the data; and B) disable the wirelesstransceiver after transmitting the data stored in the local storage toavoid interference with the plurality of sensors.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe thirteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) continuously capture athreshold duration of video data in a buffer in real time; and B) inresponse to determining the at least one event has occurred, retrieve asegment of the video data comprising a start of the at least one event,wherein the data stored on the local storage comprises the segment ofthe video data.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe thirteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the segment of thevideo data comprises a second threshold duration of video data beforethe start of the at least one event.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe thirteenth aspect or any other aspect, further comprising a slipclutch mechanism configured to prevent a locking mechanism from furtherengaging when a magnitude of force applied meets or exceeds a threshold.

According to a fourteenth aspect, a method of preventing vehicle theft,comprising: A) reading, via at least one computing device, a pluralityof measurements from one of a plurality of sensors, the plurality ofsensors being configured to sense measurements proximate to a vehicle;B) determining, via at least one computing device, at least one eventhas occurred based on the plurality of measurements; C) capturing, viathe at least one computing device, data from at least one additionalsensor of the plurality of sensors; and D) transmitting, via a wirelesstransceiver, the data corresponding to the at least one event to aremote service.

According to a further aspect, the method of the fourteenth aspect orany other aspect, further comprising storing, via the at least onecomputing device, the data from the at least one additional sensor on alocal storage coupled to the at least one computing device.

According to a further aspect, the method of the fourteenth aspect orany other aspect, further comprising storing, via the at least onecomputing device, the data from the at least one additional sensor in abuffer.

According to a further aspect, the method of the fourteenth aspect orany other aspect, further comprising: A) continuously capturing, via atleast one computing device, a threshold duration of video data in abuffer in real time; and B) retrieving a segment of the video datacomprising a start of the at least one event based on the video data inthe buffer.

According to a further aspect, the method of the fourteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the segment of the video data comprises videodata before the start of the at least one event based on the buffer.

According to a further aspect, the method of the fourteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the threshold duration of video data is fromthe at least one additional sensor and capturing the data from the atleast one additional sensor comprises initializing the data with thesegment of the video data.

According to a fifteenth aspect, a vehicle theft-prevention apparatus,comprising: A) a plurality of sensors configured to sense measurementsproximate to a vehicle; B) a wireless transceiver; C) at least onecomputing device coupled to the plurality of sensors and the wirelesstransceiver, the at least one computing device configured to: 1) read aplurality of measurements from at least one of the plurality of sensors;2) determine at least one event has occurred based on the plurality ofmeasurements; 3) store data corresponding to the at least one event fromat least one of the plurality of sensors on a local storage coupled tothe at least one computing device; and 4) enable the wirelesstransceiver and transmit the data corresponding to the at least oneevent to a remote service.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fifteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to store data corresponding tothe at least one event from at least one additional sensor of theplurality of sensors.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fifteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to disable the wirelesstransceiver after transmitting the data to avoid interference with atleast one of the plurality of sensors.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fifteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is configured to apply at least one rule to determinethe data to be stored that corresponds to the at least one event.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fifteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is configured to download the at least one rule from aremote service.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fifteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) continuously capture athreshold duration of video data in a buffer in real time; and B)retrieve a segment of the video data comprising a start of the at leastone event based on the video data in the buffer.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe fifteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the segment of thevideo data comprises video data before the start of the at least oneevent based on the buffer.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofclaim the fifteenth aspect or any other aspect, further comprising alocking mechanism configured to: A) engage based on rotation of a firstportion relative to a second portion in a first direction; and B)disengage based on a rotation of the first portion relative to thesecond portion in a second direction.

According to a sixteenth aspect, a vehicle theft-prevention apparatus,comprising: A) a plurality of sensors configured to sense measurementsproximate to a vehicle; B) a wireless transceiver; C) at least onecomputing device coupled to the plurality of sensors and the wirelesstransceiver, the at least one computing device configured to: 1)receive, via the wireless transceiver, an indication to enter an armedmode from an unarmed mode; 2) in response to entering the armed mode,set a configuration of at least one property of a subset of theplurality of sensors; 3) receive, via the wireless transceiver, a secondindication to enter a special mode from the armed mode; and 4) inresponse to entering the special mode, alter the configuration of the atleast one property of the subset of the plurality of sensors.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe sixteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the special modecomprises a low power mode, and the configuration is altered to reduce apower usage of the subset of the plurality of sensors.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe sixteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the configuration isaltered to reduce the power usage by disabling a microwave sensor of theplurality of sensors.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe sixteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the special modecomprises a pet-friendly mode and a sensitivity of at least one of theplurality of sensors is reduced to prevent a pet from triggering analarm.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe sixteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the special modecomprises a valet mode and the configuration is altered to collect andstore sensor data without triggering an alarm.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe sixteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the special modecomprises a valet mode and the at least one computing device isconfigured to determine if the vehicle exits a geofence and preventtriggering an alarm unless the vehicle exits the geofence.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe sixteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the sensor datacomprises video data, audio data, GPS data, and speed data while thevehicle is occupied by a valet.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe sixteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the special modecomprises a sensitive mode and the configuration is altered byincreasing a sensitivity of a microwave sensor of the plurality ofsensors to sense movement outside of the vehicle.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe sixteenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein a sensitivity of a PIRsensor of the plurality of sensors is unchanged while in sensitive mode.

According to a seventeenth aspect, a vehicle theft-prevention apparatus,comprising: A) a cylindrical housing; B) a plurality of sensors at leastpartially contained within the cylindrical housing, the plurality ofsensors configured to sense measurements proximate to a vehicle; C) atleast one computing device coupled to the plurality of sensors and awireless transceiver, the at least one computing device configuredto: 1) receive an indication to enter an armed mode from an unarmedmode; 2) in response to entering the armed mode, set a configuration ofat least one property of a subset of the plurality of sensors; 3)receive a second indication to enter a special mode from the armed mode;and 4) in response to entering the special mode, alter the configurationof the at least one property of the subset of the plurality of sensors.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe seventeenth aspect or any other aspect, further comprising a lightring around a portion of the cylindrical housing, wherein the at leastone computing device is further configured to generate a unique lightsequence via the light ring based at least in part on the special modeof a plurality of special modes, each of the plurality of special modescomprising a respective unique light sequence.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe seventeenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the special modecomprises a low power mode, and the at least one computing device isconfigured to reduce a frequency of reading from the subset of theplurality of sensors to reduce power consumption based on theconfiguration.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe seventeenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to reduce an output of an activeemitting component of one of the plurality of sensors based on theconfiguration.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe seventeenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the output of theactive emitting component is configured via a general purposeinput/output (GPIO) pin of the at least one computing device.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe seventeenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the special modecomprises a pet-friendly mode and the at least one computing device isfurther configured to adjust a sensitivity of at least one of theplurality of sensors to prevent a pet from triggering an alarm.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe seventeenth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the special modecomprises a valet mode and the at least one computing device is furtherconfigured to collect and store sensor data without triggering an alarmresponsive to the sensor data.

According to an eighteenth aspect, a method for preventing vehicletheft, comprising: A) receiving, via at the least one computing device,an indication to enter an armed mode from an unarmed mode; B) setting,via at the least one computing device, a configuration of at least oneproperty of a subset of a plurality of sensors in response to enteringthe armed mode; C) receiving, via the at least one computing device, asecond indication to enter a special mode from the armed mode; and D) inresponse to entering the special mode, altering, via at least onecomputing device, the configuration of the at least one property of thesubset of the plurality of sensors.

According to a further aspect, the method of the eighteenth aspect orany other aspect, further comprising reducing, via the at least onecomputing device, a frequency of reading from the subset of theplurality of sensors to reduce power consumption based on theconfiguration.

According to a further aspect, the method of the eighteenth aspect orany other aspect, further comprising reducing, via the at least onecomputing device, an output of an active emitting component of one ofthe plurality of sensors by emitting at least one electrical signal.

According to a further aspect, the method of the eighteenth aspect,further comprising collecting and storing, via the at least onecomputing device, sensor data without triggering an alarm responsive tothe sensor data.

According to a nineteenth aspect, a system, comprising: A) a vehicletheft-prevention apparatus comprising a plurality of sensors and atleast one computing device; and

B) at least one server in communication with the vehicletheft-prevention apparatus, the at least one server being configuredto: 1) receive an authentication request from a particular applicationexecuted on a mobile device comprising user credentials; 2) authenticatethe authentication request as a particular user account, where theparticular user account is associated with the vehicle theft-preventionapparatus; 3) receive instructions from the particular application thatthe mobile device has moved outside of a geofence associated with thevehicle theft-prevention apparatus; and 4) send a command to the vehicletheft-prevention apparatus to enter an armed mode.

According to a further aspect, the system of the nineteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the at least one computing device of thevehicle theft-prevention apparatus is configured to: A) identify acommand received via one of the plurality of sensors; B) determine atleast one product associated with the command; and C) send a request tothe server to initiate an order for the at least one product from atleast one ecommerce system.

According to a further aspect, the system of the nineteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the at least one computing device is furtherconfigured to: A) receive the request to initiate the order for the atleast one product from the at least one ecommerce system; B) determineat least one payment credential associated with the particular useraccount; and C) generate the order for the at least one product with theat least one ecommerce system using the at least one payment credential.

According to a further aspect, the system of the nineteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the at least one computing device isconfigured to identify the command by analyzing at least one of: anaudio stream for a voice command from an audio sensor or a video streamfor a gesture from a video sensor.

According to a further aspect, the system of the nineteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the at least one computing device of thevehicle theft-prevention apparatus is configured to: A) detect anear-field communication device within range of the vehicletheft-prevention apparatus; B) receive a request for payment from thenear-field communication device; C) authorize the request for payment;and D) perform payment wirelessly of the requested payment.

According to a further aspect, the system of the nineteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the at least one computing device of thevehicle theft-prevention apparatus is configured to generate a userinterface on a display associated with the vehicle to authorize therequest for payment.

According to a further aspect, the system of the nineteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the at least one computing device of thevehicle theft-prevention apparatus is configured to send a request forpayment credentials to the at least one server.

According to a further aspect, the system of the nineteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the at least one server is further configuredto authenticate the authentication request by requesting verification ofa second factor associated with the particular user account.

According to a further aspect, the system of the nineteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus furthercomprises: A) a first portion of a body; B) a second portion of thebody, the first portion configured to rotate about the second portion;and C) a locking mechanism embedded within the second portion.

According to a further aspect, the system of the nineteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus furthercomprises a slip clutch mechanism configured to prevent the lockingmechanism from further engaging from rotation in a first directionrelative to the second portion based on a magnitude of force applied.

According to a twentieth aspect, a system, comprising: A) a data store;and B) at least one computing device in communication with a vehicletheft-prevention apparatus, the at least one computing device beingconfigured to: 1) receive an authentication request from a particularapplication executed on a mobile device comprising user credentials; 2)authenticate the authentication request as a particular user account,where the particular user account is associated with the vehicletheft-prevention apparatus; 3) receive instructions from the particularapplication that the mobile device has moved inside of a geofenceassociated with the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus; and 4) send acommand to the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus to enter an unarmedmode.

According to a further aspect, the system of the twentieth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the user credentials comprise a biometriccomponent.

According to a further aspect, the system of the twentieth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the data store comprises a plurality of useraccounts associated with a plurality of vehicle theft-preventionapparatuses.

According to a further aspect, the system of the twentieth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the particular application, when executed by themobile device, causes the mobile device to: A) receive data describingthe geofence from the at least one computing device; B) monitor acurrent position of the mobile device via global positioning circuitry;C) determine that the current position has moved inside of the geofencebased on the data; and D) send the instructions that the mobile devicehas moved inside of the geofence to the at least one computing device.

According to a further aspect, the system of the twentieth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the at least one computing device is furtherconfigured to: A) cause a user interface to be rendered on the mobiledevice, the user interface comprising a portion of a map; and B) receivea selection of an area of interest on the map, wherein the geofencecomprises the area of interest.

According to a twenty-first aspect, a method, comprising: A) receiving,via at least one computing device, an authentication request from aparticular application executed on a mobile device comprising usercredentials; B) authenticating, via the at least one computing device,the authentication request as a particular user account, where theparticular user account is associated with a vehicle theft-preventionapparatus; C) receiving, via the at least one computing device,instructions from the particular application that the mobile device hasmoved inside of a geofence associated with the vehicle theft-preventionapparatus; and D) sending, via the at least one computing device, acommand to the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus to enter an unarmedmode.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twenty-first aspect orany other aspect, further comprising: A) generating, via the at leastone computing device, a random or pseudo random number; B) identifying,via the at least one computing device, a firmware image associated witha vehicle theft-prevention apparatus; C) generating, via the at leastone computing device, a local hash of the firmware image using therandom or pseudo random number as a seed; D) sending, via the at leastone computing device, a request to hash the firmware image executing onthe vehicle theft-prevention apparatus using the random or pseudo randomnumber as a seed; E) receiving, via the at least one computing device, aresult of the hash of the firmware image using the seed; and F)comparing, via the at least one computing device, the result from thevehicle theft-prevention apparatus to the local hash.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twenty-first aspect orany other aspect, further comprising performing, via the at least onecomputing device, at least one remedial action in response to the resultfrom the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus differing from the localhash.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twenty-first aspect orany other aspect, wherein the at least one remedial action comprises atleast of: disabling the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus, generatingan alert to the mobile device; and initiating a firmware update process.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twenty-first aspect orany other aspect, further comprising: A) receiving, via the at least onecomputing device, a request from the vehicle theft-prevention apparatusto initiate an order for at least one product from an ecommerce system;B) determining, via the at least one computing device, a paymentcredential associated with the particular user account; and C)generating, via the at least one computing device, the order for the atleast one product with the ecommerce system using the paymentcredential.

According to a twenty-second aspect, a vehicle theft-preventionapparatus, comprising: A) at least one sensor configured to sensemeasurements proximate to a vehicle; B) a wireless transceiver; and C)at least one computing device coupled to the at least one sensor and thewireless transceiver, the at least one computing device configuredto: 1) read a plurality of first measurements of the at least one sensorat a predetermined frequency, where the at least one sensor is locatedin a first position of the vehicle; 2) receive a plurality of secondmeasurements from at least one additional theft-prevention apparatus,where the at least one additional theft-prevention apparatus is locatedat a second position in the vehicle; and 3) determine that a person hasentered the vehicle based on at least one of: the plurality of firstmeasurements and the plurality of second measurements.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-second aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least oneadditional theft-prevention apparatus is coupled to a window of thevehicle.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-second aspect or any other aspect, wherein the plurality ofsecond measurements are received from the at least one additional theftprevention apparatus via near field communication.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-second aspect or any other aspect, wherein the first positionis proximate a first cup holder for a front seat and the second positionis proximate a second cup holder for a back seat.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-second aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is coupled to the additional theft-prevention apparatusvia a cable.

According to a twenty-third aspect, a vehicle theft-prevention system,comprising: A) a first vehicle theft-prevention apparatus comprising: 1)a first sensor configured to sense measurements proximate to a vehicle;and 2) a first computing device coupled to the first sensor, the firstcomputing device configured to: i) read a plurality of firstmeasurements of the first sensor at a predetermined frequency, where thefirst sensor is located in a first position of the vehicle; and ii) sendthe plurality of first measurements to a second computing device; and B)a second vehicle theft-prevention apparatus comprising: 1) a secondsensor configured to sense measurements proximate to the vehicle; and 2)the second computing device coupled to the second sensor, the secondcomputing device configured to: i) receive the plurality of firstmeasurements from the first computing device; ii) read a plurality ofsecond measurements of the second sensor a second predeterminedfrequency, where the second sensor is located in a second position ofthe vehicle; and iii) determine that a person has entered the vehiclebased on at least one of: the plurality of first measurements and theplurality of second measurements.

According to a further aspect, the system of the twenty-third aspect orany other aspect, wherein the first vehicle theft-prevention apparatusfurther comprises a battery.

According to a further aspect, the system of the twenty-third aspect orany other aspect, wherein the vehicle comprises the first vehicletheft-prevention apparatus.

According to a further aspect, the system of the twenty-third aspect orany other aspect, wherein the second computing device is furtherconfigured to determine a global positioning system (GPS) location ofthe vehicle from a GPS circuit of the vehicle by communicating with thevehicle via the first computing device.

According to a further aspect, the system of the twenty-third aspect orany other aspect, wherein the first computing device sends the pluralityof first measurements via an on-board diagnostic (OBD) port.

According to a further aspect, the system of the twenty-third aspect orany other aspect, wherein the second computing device is furtherconfigured to determine a current state of the vehicle via the OBD port.

According to a further aspect, the system of claim the twenty-thirdaspect or any other aspect, wherein the first computing device sends theplurality of first measurements via at least one of: near fieldcommunication or Bluetooth.

According to a further aspect, the system of the twenty-third aspect orany other aspect, wherein the second vehicle theft-prevention apparatusfurther comprises a body comprising a first portion and a secondportion, the first portion configured to rotate about the second portionto affix the body into a cup holder of the vehicle.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect, a method for preventing vehicletheft, comprising: A) reading, via at least one computing device, aplurality of first measurements of a first sensor at a predeterminedfrequency, where the first sensor is located in a first position of avehicle; B) receiving, via the at least one computing device, aplurality of second measurements from a second sensor associated with asecond theft-prevention apparatus, where the second sensor is located ata second position in the vehicle; and C) determining, via the at leastone computing device, whether a person has entered the vehicle based onat least one of: the plurality of first measurements and the pluralityof second measurements.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twenty-fourth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor areconfigured to sense measurements proximate to the vehicle.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twenty-fourth aspect orany other aspect, wherein proximate to the vehicle is within arespective radius of the first sensor and the second sensor, therespective radius being based on at least one property of acorresponding one of: the first sensor and the second sensor.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twenty-fourth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the vehicle comprises the secondtheft-prevention apparatus and the plurality of second measurements aremeasured by the vehicle.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twenty-fourth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the plurality of second measurements comprisesat least one of: a tire pressure of at least one tire of the vehicle, aGPS location of the vehicle, a current speed of the vehicle, a currenttemperature in the vehicle, a current drive of the vehicle, and anoutdoor temperature of the vehicle.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twenty-fourth aspect orany other aspect, further comprising receiving, via the at least onecomputing device, at least one third measurement from a third sensor,where the third sensor is located at a third position in the vehicle,wherein determining whether the person has entered the vehicle isfurther based on the at least one third measurement.

According to a further aspect, the method of the twenty-fourth aspect orany other aspect, further comprising receiving, via the at least onecomputing device, at least one fourth measurement from a fourth sensor,where the fourth sensor is located at a fourth position in the vehicle,wherein determining whether the person has entered the vehicle isfurther based on the at least one fourth measurement.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect, a vehicle theft-preventionapparatus, comprising: A) a plurality of sensors configured to sensemeasurements proximate to a vehicle; B) a wireless transceiver; and C)at least one computing device coupled to the plurality of sensors andthe wireless transceiver, the at least one computing device configuredto: 1) read a plurality of first measurements of a first sensor of theplurality of sensors; 2) determine that a key fob moved outside of arange of the first sensor based on the plurality of first measurementsfrom the first sensor; 3) in response to the key fob moving outside ofthe range of the first sensor, transition to an armed state; 4) read aplurality of second measurements from a subset of the plurality ofsensors; and 5) determine that a person has entered the vehicle based onthe plurality of second measurements.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-fifth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) determine that a batterylevel of the key fob has fallen below a threshold; and B) send anotification to change a battery in the key fob based on the batterylevel falling below the threshold.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-fifth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) determine that a batterylevel of the key fob; and B) send the battery level to at least oneserver.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-fifth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) calculate a rolling codefor the key fob; and B) determine that the person has entered thevehicle further based on authenticating the rolling code of the key fob.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-fifth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the plurality offirst measurements are read by interrogating the key fob.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect, a vehicle theft-preventionapparatus, comprising: A) a plurality of sensors configured to sensemeasurements proximate to a vehicle; B) a wireless transceiver; and C)at least one computing device coupled to the plurality of sensors andthe wireless transceiver, the at least one computing device configuredto: 1) establish communication with an external device to determine astatus related to the vehicle; 2) transition to an armed state based onthe status related to the vehicle; 3) in response to entering the armedstate, read a plurality of measurements of a particular sensor of theplurality of sensors; 4) determine that a person has entered the vehiclebased on the plurality of measurements; and 5) send, via the wirelesstransceiver, an alarm notification to at least one server.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-sixth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the external devicecomprises a key fob and the status related to the vehicle compriseswhether the key fob is within a range of the vehicle.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-sixth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the external devicecomprises the vehicle and the at least one computing device is furtherconfigured to communicate with the vehicle via an on-board diagnostics(OBD) port.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-sixth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to receive a GPS location fromthe vehicle via the OBD port, wherein the alarm notification comprisesthe GPS location.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-sixth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) determine that a GPSlocation is outside a predetermined geofence; and B) in response to theGPS location being outside a predetermined geofence, transition to thearmed state.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-sixth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) determine that the vehicleis running based on the status related to the vehicle; and B) inresponse to the vehicle running, transition to an unarmed state.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-sixth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) determine that at leastone door lock of the vehicle is engaged; and B) in response todetermining that the at least one door lock is engaged, transition tothe armed state.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-sixth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) determine that at leastone door of the vehicle is closed; and B) in response to the at leastone of the vehicle being closed, transition to the armed state.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-sixth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) determine that at leastone door lock of the vehicle is disengaged; and B) in response to the atleast one door handle being disengaged, transition to an unarmed state.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-sixth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) determine that at leastone door of the vehicle is open; and B) in response to the at least oneof the vehicle being open, transition to the unarmed state.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-sixth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to establish communication with athird party to determine the status related to the vehicle.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect, a vehicle theft-preventionapparatus, comprising: A) a body comprising a first portion and a secondportion, the first portion configured to rotate about the second portionto affix the body into a cup holder of the vehicle; B) at least onecomputing device configured to at least: 1) establish communication withan external device; 2) transition to an unarmed state based oncommunicating with the external device; and 3) in response to enteringthe unarmed state, disable measurements from a plurality of sensors.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-seventh aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to: A) determine that a personhas left the vehicle based on loss of the communication with theexternal device; and B) transition to an armed state based on the lossof the communication.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-seventh aspect or any other aspect, further comprising alocking mechanism embedded within the second portion.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-seventh aspect or any other aspect, wherein the externaldevice comprises at least one of: a smart phone and a smart watch.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect, a vehicle theft-preventionapparatus, comprising: A) a cylindrical body configured to be positionedwithin a cup holder of a vehicle, the cylindrical body having a cupholder element on a top side; B) a fish-eye camera sensor on an upperportion of the body; C) a passive infrared (PIR) sensor positioned inthe body; D) a plurality of legs mechanically connected to a lockingmechanism and configured to extend to provide an outward force on thecup holder of the vehicle to prevent removal of the vehicletheft-prevention apparatus; and E) at least one computing devicecomprising a processor and a memory, the at least one computing devicebeing configured to: 1) capture a plurality of images from the fish-eyecamera sensor; 2) read a plurality of measurements from the PIR sensor;and 3) trigger an alarm based on the plurality of images and theplurality of measurements.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-eighth aspect or any other aspect, further comprising amicrowave sensor and positioned within the cylindrical body, wherein theat least one computing device is further configured to read a pluralityof second measurements from the microwave sensor, wherein the alarm istriggered based further on the plurality of second measurements.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-eighth aspect or any other aspect, further comprisingtransceiver configured to transmit an indication of the alarm to atleast one server.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect, a vehicle theft-preventionapparatus, comprising: A) a body configured to be positioned within avehicle; B) a first sensor configured to sense a first type ofmeasurement; C) a second sensor configured to sense a second type ofmeasurement; and D) at least one computing device coupled to the firstsensor and second sensor, the at least one computing device configuredto: 1) read a plurality of first measurements of the first type ofmeasurement from the first sensor and a plurality of second measurementsof the second type of measurement from the second sensor from within thevehicle; and 2) triggering an alarm based on the plurality ofmeasurements and plurality of second measurements.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-ninth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the body isconfigured to be embedded within a dome light of the vehicle.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-ninth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the alarm istriggered in response to one of the plurality of measurements meeting afirst threshold and one of the plurality of second measurements meetinga second threshold.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-ninth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the body isconfigured to be affixed to a rim of a tire.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-ninth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the alarm istriggered in response to determining that the rim of the vehicle hasbeen removed based on the plurality of measurements and plurality ofsecond measurements.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-ninth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the first sensorcomprises a tilt sensor configured to determine if the rim of the tireis removed from the vehicle.

According to a further, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus of thetwenty-ninth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the first sensorcomprises a tire pressure sensor configured to couple to a valve stem ofthe tire.

According to a further, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus of thetwenty-ninth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least onecomputing device is further configured to detect a reduction in an airpressure of the tire and the alarm is triggered in response thereduction in the air pressure.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofclaim the twenty-ninth aspect ro any other aspect, comprising a remotedevice configured to mount onto a rim of a tire and provide sensor datato the at least one computing device.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-ninth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the remote deviceis configured to provide a global positioning system (GPS) location ofthe rim of the tire to the at least one computing device.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-ninth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the remote deviceis configured to transmit a GPS location of the rim of the tire to atleast one server via a wireless internet connection.

According to a further aspect, the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus ofthe twenty-ninth aspect or any other aspect, wherein the body isconfigured to be mounted to a portion of a body of the vehicle.

According to a thirtieth aspect, a method for preventing theft,comprising: A) reading, via at least one computing device of a vehicletheft-prevention apparatus, a plurality of first measurements of a firsttype of measurement from a first sensor within a vehicle; B) reading,via the at least one computing device, a plurality of secondmeasurements of a second type of measurement from the second sensor fromwithin the vehicle; C) triggering, via the at least one computingdevice, an alarm based on the plurality of measurements and plurality ofsecond measurements.

According to a further aspect, the method of the thirtieth aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising triggering the alarm by emitting anaudio signal from a speaker positioned within a body of the vehicletheft-prevention apparatus.

According to a further aspect, the method of the thirtieth aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising installing at least a portion of thevehicle theft-prevention apparatus in a dome light of the vehicle.

According to a further aspect, the method of the thirtieth aspect or anyother aspect, further comprising affixing at least a portion of thevehicle theft-prevention apparatus to a rim of the vehicle. According toa further aspect, the method of the thirtieth aspect or any otheraspect, further comprising: A) receiving, via the at least one computingdevice, a request for a location of the vehicle theft-preventionapparatus; B) determining, via a GPS circuit of the vehicletheft-prevention apparatus, a GPS coordinate of the vehicletheft-prevention apparatus; and C) transmitting, via the at least onecomputing device, the GPS coordinate responsive to the request. Theseand other aspects, features, and benefits of the disclosure will becomeapparent from the following detailed written description of thepreferred embodiments and aspects taken in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, although variations and modifications thereto may beeffected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novelconcepts of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments, and/oraspects of the disclosure and, together with the written description,serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Whenever possible,the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer tothe same or like elements of an embodiment, and wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary environment in which an embodiment ofthe present security device operates.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary environment in which an embodiment ofthe present security device operates.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary computing architecture of adetection system, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-B are perspective views of a security device, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a security device, according to one embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a security device, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a security device, according to one embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a back view of a security device, according to one embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a left-side view of a security device, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a right-side view of a security device, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a security device, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a locking mechanism, accordingto one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a locking mechanism, accordingto one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a first disk, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15A is a front view of a driving pin, according to one embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of a driving pin, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a second disk, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of a locking mechanism, accordingto one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an extension plate, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of an extension plate, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of a second portion of a securitydevice, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a leg, according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 22A-B are top views of a second portion of a security device and aplurality of legs, according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an exemplary detection process according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of an exemplary device setup process according toone embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of an exemplary device arming process accordingto one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of an exemplary device disarming processaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of an exemplary location-based detection processaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of an exemplary command process according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 29A-C are exemplary user interface views of a mobile applicationaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 30A-D are exemplary perspective views of a first portion of asecurity device, according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended; anyalterations and further modifications of the described or illustratedembodiments, and any further applications of the principles of thedisclosure as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normallyoccur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. Alllimitations of scope should be determined in accordance with and asexpressed in the claims.

Whether a term is capitalized is not considered definitive or limitingof the meaning of a term. As used in this document, a capitalized termshall have the same meaning as an uncapitalized term, unless the contextof the usage specifically indicates that a more restrictive meaning forthe capitalized term is intended. However, the capitalization or lackthereof within the remainder of this document is not intended to benecessarily limiting unless the context clearly indicates that suchlimitation is intended.

As used herein, “vehicle” can generally refer to a manually- orself-propelled transportation system or combinations thereof.Non-limiting examples of vehicles include, but are not limited to,automobiles, watercraft, aircraft, locomotives, and single trackvehicles, such as motorcycles, bicycles, and the like.

As used herein, “event” can generally refer to instances in whichsecurity of a vehicle is potentially compromised and including instancesin which the security is definitively compromised. Events can generallyinclude instances in which a sensor generates a reading and a value ofthe reading is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold value.Non-limiting examples of events include, but are not limited to,successful or attempted opening or breaching of any vehicle component,such as a door, window, gas cap, etc., movement of an individual withina predetermined range of the vehicle, movement of the vehicle from apredetermined location, and other events corresponding to potentiallysuspicious behavior occurring in or around the vehicle.

Overview

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to systems andprocesses for detecting intrusions and other activity occurring in andaround a vehicle.

In various embodiments, an intrusion detection system includes one ormore security devices that are positioned in or around a vehicle. Forexample, the security device is placed into a cup holder of the vehicleand a locking mechanism of the security device is activated to securethe placement. The shape of the security device can be partiallyadjustable such that, for example, if the security device is positionedin a cup holder, the shape of the security device can be adjusted toconform to the shape of the cup holder. In one example, the securitydevice includes a plurality of legs that can be extended outward fromthe security device to apply outward forces to walls of a cup holder,the outward forces generating friction that secures the security devicewithin the cup holder. In this example, the extended plurality of legsare a portion of a locking mechanism for preventing the removal of thesecurity device unless a key or signal is received at the securitydevice or an associated mobile application. Mechanisms such as a clutchmechanism or solenoid can lock the extended position of the plurality oflegs.

The security device can communicate with one or more sensors that areintegrated into the security device or located throughout the vehicle inwhich the security device is installed. Non-limiting examples of sensorsinclude PIR sensors, ultrasonic sensors, audio sensors, and cameras(e.g., comprising wide-angle lenses, fisheye lenses, HD functionality,etc.). The security device can process readings from the one or moresensors (and other data sources, such as an on-board diagnostics system)to detect potential intrusions or intruders. The security device cancommunicate with one or more of a mobile device, computing environment,external systems, and other devices to support intrusion detection andalerting processes, as well as other processes such as ecommerce- andcommunication-related processes. In response to detecting potentialintrusions, the security device can perform various actions including,but not limited to, transmitting alerts, emitting alarms, disabling thevehicle, contacting emergency services, and other actions.

Exemplary Embodiments

Referring now to the figures, for the purposes of example andexplanation of the fundamental processes and components of the disclosedsystems and processes, reference is made to FIG. 1A, which illustratesan exemplary environment 100A of one embodiment of the present securitydevices operate. As will be understood and appreciated, the exemplaryenvironment 100A shown in FIG. 1A represents merely one approach orembodiment of the present system, and other aspects are used accordingto various embodiments of the present system.

The exemplary environment 100A can include a vehicle 106. A securitydevice 103 can be installed within the vehicle 106, for example,according to a device setup process 2400 (FIG. 24). In some embodiments,the vehicle 106 includes one or more vehicle theft-preventionapparatuses. The vehicle theft-prevention apparatus can include one ormore of, but is not limited to, the security device 103, one or moresensors, and one or more remote devices.

The security device 103 can be secured (e.g., locked) within the vehicle106 such that removal of the security device 103 is prevented. Forexample, embodiments of the security device 103 include a lockingmechanism. In this example, upon the security device 103 being installedin a cup holder, the locking mechanism is engaged and preventsdislodging of the security device 103 from the cup holder. Continuingthis example, the locking device includes an engaging component that isdisabled and, as such, prevents the locking mechanism from beingoperated to render the security device 103 removable.

The security device 103 can be installed to a target site 102, such as acup holder. The target site 102 can include, but is not limited to, cupholders, door panels, gloveboxes, seatbelts, and other receptacleswithin or on the vehicle 106. In some embodiments, the security device103 or another remote device in communication therewith is installed onan exterior of the vehicle 106 (not shown). In some embodiments, two ormore security devices 103 are installed to two or more target sites. Asan example, a first security device 103 is installed in a cup holderproximate a front passenger seat and a second security device 103 isinstalled in a second cup holder proximate a rear passenger seat. Inthis example, the first and second security devices 103 can communicatevia wireless means, such as Bluetooth or NFC, or by wired means (e.g., acable running therebetween). As another example, the first securitydevice 103 can be installed in a first cup holder while the secondsecurity device 103 may be affixed to a door or window, clipped to ahook, or positioned in another receptacle. The second security device103 may be a remote device 209 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, a securitydevice is sized and configured to be attached to a window 107,windshield 109, glovebox 111, garment hook, dome light, wheel, tire, hubcap, wheel rim, wheel well, body, chassis, or other structure of thevehicle 106. In one example, the security device includes a low profile,rectangular prism shape and is configured to be attached via suction orother adhesive means to a window of the vehicle 106. In another example,the security device includes a clip and/or loop for attachment to aseatbelt, garment hook, seat back, or other structure or receptacle inthe vehicle 106. In various embodiments, the security device 103 (orportions thereof) are shaped to cause reverberations of sound within thetarget site 102 that may enhance a clarity or volume of sounds emittedfrom the security device 103. For example, the security device 103 caninclude internal voids or other structures within which sound waves maybe reverberated through one or more external voids (e.g., perforations)and into the vehicle 106.

The security device 103 can include one or more sensors 218. One or moresensors 218B can be configured within or on the vehicle 106 and cancommunicate with the security device 103. In one example, a sensor 218Bis installed on an interior portion of a door. In another example, asensor 218B is installed on a side-view mirror. In another example, asensor 218C, such as a tilt sensor or light sensor, is attached to awheel rim and configured to detect removal of the wheel rim. In anotherexample, a sensor 218D, such as a pressure sensor, is coupled to a valvestem of a tire. In another example, an ultrasonic sensor 218E isinstalled in an interior of a tire and along an axis corresponding to acentral tread thereof. In this example, the ultrasonic sensor 218E isconfigured to monitor a depth of the tire tread based on reflectedacoustic signals (e.g., such that alerts can be generated based on thetread degrading in excess of a predetermined level).

The sensors 218 can include, for example, ultrasonic sensors, passiveinfrared (PIR) sensors, video sensors, audio sensors, vibration sensors,and other sensors. Non-limiting examples of installation sites includecup holders, door panels, gloveboxes, seatbelts, windows, dome lights,tires, wheel rims, wheel wells, hub caps, chassis, body, and trunkspaces. The security device 103 can communicate with an on-boarddiagnostics (OBD) system 257 to access various data associated withperformance and statuses of the vehicle 106. Exemplary descriptions ofthe OBD system 257 and sensors 218A, 218B are provided further hereinwith reference to FIG. 2.

In an exemplary scenario, a user installs the security device 103 withinthe vehicle 106 and registers the security device with a remotecomputing environment. The user also associates a mobile device (e.g.,the user's smartphone) with the security device 103 using an installedsecurity application (e.g., or a web-based application). Using theassociated mobile device and security application, the user initiates anarming command to the security device 103. In response to receiving thearming command, the security device 103 enters an armed state. In oneembodiment, in the armed state, the engagement component is disabled(e.g., thereby preventing disengagement of the locking mechanism), thesensors 218A, 218B are activated, and a monitor application running on acomputing device within the security device 103 analyzes received sensorreadings to detect potential intrusion invents. In response to thesecurity device 103 entering the armed state, the security applicationcan receive and cause the rendering of a push alert indicating the armedstatus of the security device 103.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary environment 100B that includes thevehicle 106 and the security device 103 and sensors 218A, 218B installedtherewithin. In the exemplary environment 100B, a potential intruder 105approaches the vehicle 106 and breaks a window 107. The potentialintrusion and potential intruder 105 are detected by the security device103, which can perform a variety of actions in response to thedetection.

The sensor 218A can generate readings in response to an approach of apotential intruder 105. For example, the sensor 218A generates anincreased heat signature reading as the potential intruder 105approaches, the increased value being determined by the monitorapplication. In another example, the sensor 218A captures video data ofan area surrounding the vehicle 106 and the monitor applicationrecognizes the approach of the potential intruder 105. The sensor 218Bcan generate secondary readings that can be used in addition to (e.g.,for verification of) or in place of readings from the sensor 218B. Inone example, the sensor 218B records an increased ultrasonic signal inresponse to the approach of the potential intruder 105. In anotherexample, the sensor 218B records audio data and the monitor applicationrecognizes a frequency and/or decibel level that is associated with awindow break. From the OBD system 257, the security device 103 canreceive a status of the vehicle 106 indicating an attempted intrusion bythe potential intruder 105. For example, the monitor application 215 canread data from the OBD system 257 and determine that the driver's sidedoor handle was manipulated and/or that the window 107 has been broken.

In response to the detection of the potential intrusion and potentialintruder 105, the security device 103 can form a variety of actions. Inone example, an audible alarm is initiated at the security device 103.In another example, the monitor application transmits a signal to acomputing environment that automatically contacts law enforcement andprovides a current location of the vehicle 106. In another example, themonitor application transmits a notification to the mobile device of theuser.

In an exemplary scenario, the potential intruder 105 approaches thevehicle 106. As the potential intruder 105 approaches, the sensor 218Bcaptures video data (e.g., including a facial image of the potentialintruder 105) and the sensor 218A records increased ultrasonic readings.Based on the increased ultrasonic readings, the monitor applicationdetermines the presence of the potential intruder 105 and determinesthat the potential intruder 105 is within a predetermined proximity ofthe vehicle 106. In response to the determined presence and proximity, amobile device associated with the user of the vehicle 106 receives anotification. A security application running on the mobile deviceretrieves the video data (e.g., from the security device 103 or acomputing environment at which the video data is stored) and presentsthe facial image to the user for identification purposes and/ordetermining additional actions.

Continuing the above scenario, the potential intruder 105 breaks thewindow 107. The sensor 218A records audio data that is analyzed by themonitor application. In response to the monitor application determiningthat decibel levels in the audio data exceed a predetermined threshold,the breakage of the window 107 is determined. In response to determiningthat the window 107 has been broken, an audible alarm is initiated andan alert is transmitted to the user's mobile device. In someembodiments, the security device 103 causes the vehicle 106 to becomeinoperable. As an example, the security device 103 may communicate withthe vehicle 106 to disable the vehicle or may communicate with one ormore other providers to render the vehicle inoperable. In one example,the security device 103 can communicate with a service associated withthe vehicle (e.g., OnStar®, BMW Assist®, mbrace®, CUE®, Uconnect®, orother service) and the service associated with the vehicle can send acommand to render the vehicle inoperable. During setup, the securitydevice 103 may receive credentials for one or more services toauthentication with the services before sending a command.

In various embodiments, due to the locked position of the securitydevice 103, should the potential intruder 105 move the vehicle 106, aGPS sensor 218 (not shown) can be used to track the location of thevehicle 106. Continuing the above scenario, the user receives the alertand the security application provides the user with response optionsincluding, but not limited to, disabling the alarm, contacting emergencyservices, and reviewing additional data associated with the intrusion(e.g., such as the video or audio data). In response to selecting a“Contact Emergency Services” option, the security application transmitsthe location of the vehicle 106, identity of the user, and summary ofthe intrusion (e.g., broken window, facial image, etc.) to lawenforcement. In this example, the transmission to law enforcement caninclude data captured during the intrusion event, such as video or audiodata recorded during the event. This data can be stored for later uselocally on the device 103 or on the user's mobile device, or in cloudstorage, etc.

In certain embodiments, the user also associates a mobile device (e.g.,the user's smartphone) with the security device 103 using an installedmobile application (e.g., or a web-based application). Using theassociated mobile device and mobile application, the user initiates anarming command to the security device 103. In response to receiving thearming command, the security device 103 enters an armed state. In thearmed state, the engagement component is disabled (e.g., therebypreventing disengagement of the locking mechanism), the sensors 218A,218B are activated, and a monitor application running on a computingdevice within the security device 103 analyzes received sensor readingsto detect potential intrusion invents. In response to the securitydevice 103 entering the armed state, the mobile application can receiveand cause the rendering of an alert indicating the armed status of thesecurity device 103.

With reference to FIG. 2, shown is a networked environment 200 accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure. The networkedenvironment 200 includes one or more security devices 103, a computingenvironment 203, one or more mobile devices 206, a vehicle 106, and oneor more remote devices 209 in communication via a network 212. In someembodiments, the security device 103 may communicate with the vehicle106 over a first network (e.g., via an OBD port), the remote device 209via a second network 212, and communicate to the computing environment203 and the mobile device 206 via third network 212. In at least oneembodiment, the security device 103 may not communicate with the vehicle106 and/or any remote devices 209.

The security device 103 can include a monitor application 215, one ormore sensors 218 a, one or more transceivers 221 a, one or more storagedevices 224 a, one or more power sources 227 a, and one or more lockingmechanism 230. The security device 103 can include a circuit board withan embedded computing device or system-on-a-chip (SOC) architecture. Thesecurity device 103 can include a computing device with a processor andmemory to execute the monitoring application 215. The monitoringapplication 215 can read measurements from each of the sensors 218 a.Based on the measurements, the monitor application 215 can determinewhether an unauthorized interaction is in progress or has taken place.Non-limiting examples of unauthorized interactions include, but are notlimited to, intrusions, vandalism, material harm, and aggressive orunlawful operation of the vehicle 106.

The monitor application 215 can be executed by a processor of thesecurity device 103 to receive measurements from the sensors 218 a,which can be stored in the storage device 224 a. The monitor application215 can send the measurements from the storage device 224 a to thesecurity service 233 via the network 212 using the transceiver 221 a.The network 212 includes, for example, the Internet, intranets,extranets, wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), wirednetworks, wireless networks, or other suitable networks, etc., or anycombination of two or more such networks. For example, such networks caninclude satellite networks, cable networks, Ethernet networks, and othertypes of networks.

The sensors 218 can sense various aspects of inside or outside of thevehicle 106 and potentially areas proximate the vehicle 106. In someembodiments, the sensor 218 senses various aspects of the securitydevice 103. In one example, the sensor 218 detects that a clutchmechanism has experienced a slip. As another example, the sensor 218detects that a first portion of the security device is rotated in afirst or second direction about a second portion thereof. As anotherexample, the sensor 218 detects that a motor unit or cam thereof isrotated between a first and a second position (e.g., to enable anddisable an engagement mechanism).

The sensor 218 can include, but is not limited to, passive infrared(PIR) sensors, microwave sensors, ultrasound sensors, auditory sensorsincluding microphones and glass break sensors, temperature sensors, airquality sensors, ambient light sensors, video and still image cameras,proximity sensors, global positioning system (GPS) sensors, speedsensors, accelerometers, compass, barometer, motion sensors includinggyroscopic sensors, pressure sensors, weight sensors, radio frequencysensors including Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC and other RF sensors, tiltsensors, radar sensors, and light detecting and ranging (LiDAR) sensors.The sensors 218 can also include one or more emitting components, suchas emitting radar, laser light, visible light, infrared light,ultraviolet light, microwaves, or other emissions for use with varioussensors 218. In one example, the sensor 218 is a video recording devicecomprising an upwardly facing wide-angle camera for detecting a 360degree view of the interior of the vehicle 106. In certain embodiments,the PIR sensor 218, speaker, GPS sensor 218, and other sensors 218 maybe positioned in optimal locations within the apparatus for optimizingperformance (e.g., the PIR sensor 218 may be positioned on the driver'sside of the apparatus to better detect carjacking intrusions, etc.).

The one or more sensors 218 may operate simultaneously, and each sensor218 may communicate its readings to the monitor application 215. Invarious embodiments, the sensor readings may be communicated along adata bus, or each sensor 218 may include its own designated port, orcommunication session on a circuit board. Examples of readings include,but are not limited to, captured image, video, or audio data and valuesfor pressure, temperature (e.g., discrete temperature or a rate ofchange of temperature), humidity, distance, orientation (e.g., tilt),weight, reflected signal strength, and other measurements.

The sensor 218 can operate in a variety of modes including, but are notlimited to, low power mode, high power mode, low sensitivity mode, highsensitivity mode, low frequency mode, high frequency mode, valet mode,pet-friendly mode, and various combinations of two or more modes. Themonitor application 215 can configure the operation in a particular modeautomatically, for example, in response to a predetermined schedule, inresponse to receiving a command or request, or in response todetermining that a sensor reading meets particular criteria, such as athreshold or particular value. In low power mode, one or more sensors218 can be configured to operate at a lower power usage level, forexample, by reducing power to an emitting component, by reducing astrength and/or frequency of measurements from the sensor 218, or byreducing power to or deactivating other components. In some embodiments,one or more sensors 218 are disabled during low-power mode, while othersensors 218 stay enabled. In one example, in low power mode, a microwavesensor is disabled while a PIR sensor remains enabled (e.g., and isconfigured to reduce a power usage of the sensor).

In high power mode or normal power mode, one or more sensor 218 can beconfigured to operate at a higher power usage level for purposesincluding, but not limited to, enabling high-frequency and/or high powermeasurements to be performed, allowing a transceiver to operate at agreater transmission range or strength, and other purposes. In someembodiments, the low power mode includes configuring the sensor 218 inthe low sensitivity and/or low frequency modes and the high power modeincludes configuring the sensor 218 in the high sensitivity and/or highfrequency modes.

In low sensitivity mode, one or more thresholds for controllingconfiguration or performance of the sensor 218 can be configured athigher values. In one example, the sensor 218 measures reflected soundwaves to detect individuals and their proximity to the device and thusto the vehicle, and the sensor 218 can have a reflected power thresholdrelated to the power of reflected signal received at the sensor 218. Inthe same example, upon the reflected power threshold being exceeded,configuration to high power mode and transmission of an alert can occur.Continuing this example, in the low sensitivity configuration, thereflected power threshold can be increased such that a greater reflectedsignal power is required to trigger the high power mode and alerttransmission. The low sensitivity mode can be configured, for example,to prevent the device taking action in response to potentially falsepositives.

In high sensitivity mode, one or more thresholds for controllingconfiguration or performance of the sensor 218 can be configured atlower values. In one example, the sensor 218 measures sound of aparticular frequency range and comprises a decibel measurement thresholdthat, when exceeded, causes the sensor 218 to configure a high powermode and transmit an alert. In the same example, in the high sensitivityconfiguration, the decibel measurement threshold is decreased such thata lower decibel level within the particular frequency range, whenmeasured, causes the re-configuration to high power mode andtransmission of the alert. In another example, a sensitivity of amicrowave sensor is increased to detect movement occurring outside of avehicle 106. The high sensitivity mode can be configured, for example,to potentially increase vehicle security by providing a lower caliber ofcriteria to be satisfied before a potential intrusion is determined andappropriate actions are taken. In some embodiments, a sensitivity of afirst sensor is increased and a second sensitivity of a second sensor ismaintained. For example, a sensitivity of a microwave sensor isincreased while a sensitivity of a PIR sensor is unchanged.

In the low frequency mode, the sensor 218 can be configured to performmeasurements at a lower frequency rate, whereas, in the higher frequencymode, the sensor 218 can be configured to perform measurements at ahigher frequency rate than in lower frequency mode. In one example, thesensor 218 is a pressure sensor that, in the low frequency mode,measures the internal pressure of a vehicle at a rate of about 0.5 Hzand, in the high frequency mode, measures the internal pressure at 2.0Hz. In another example, the sensor 218 is a camera that, in the lowfrequency mode, captures an image of the vehicle interior every 20seconds and, in the high frequency mode, captures a video stream at 5frames per second. In another example, the sensor 218 is an ultrasonicsensor that, in the low frequency mode, emits acoustic signals at a rateof about 1.0 Hz and, in the high frequency mode, emits the acousticsignals at a rate of about 10 Hz. In this example, the emission of theacoustic signals can be configured via a general purpose input/output(GPIO) pin at the sensor 218 or security device 103 in control thereof.

The low and high frequency modes can, alternatively or in addition,include adjusting a frequency at which the security device 103 readsmeasurements from the sensor 218. For example, in the low frequencymode, the monitor application 215 is configured to read an ultrasonicsensor at a rate of about 0.1 Hz and, in the high frequency mode, isconfigured to read the ultrasonic sensor at a rate of about 1.0 Hz.

In valet mode, one or more sensors 218 can be activated for monitoringoperation of the vehicle 106 by valet personnel without triggering analarm and/or other actions associated responding to an intrusion event.For example, a GPS sensor 218 can be configured to operate in a highfrequency mode to transmit a current location of the vehicle 106 in nearreal-time. In this example, upon the monitor application 215 determiningthat the vehicle 106 has ceased movement (e.g., the readings of the GPSsensor 218 are consistently similar for a predetermined time period),the monitor application 215 can transmit a notification to the mobiledevice 206 that includes the current location of the vehicle 106. Asanother example, an accelerometer and/or OBD sensor 218 can beconfigured to operate in a high frequency mode to record motion andperformance of the vehicle 106 including acceleration rates, speed,brake application, collisions, airbag deployments, seatbelts, etc. Inthis example, upon the monitor application 215 determining that thevehicle 106 is operating outside of normal parameters (e.g., speeding,aggressive handling, etc.), the monitor application 215 can transmit analert to the mobile device 206, cause an alarm to be emitted from thesecurity device 103, or take other appropriate actions. In someembodiments, the security device 103 is configured not to continuouslyrecord readings from the sensor 218 and other devices but to notgenerate alarms.

In another example, a geofence is generated around the user's mobiledevice 206 or a particular location (e.g., which may be entered into thesecurity application 251 or automatically determined). In this example,GPS readings from an OBD system 257 or sensor 218 are analyzed todetermine if the valet has moved the vehicle 106 (or security device103) beyond the geofence. Continuing this example, an alarm is generatedin response to determining that the vehicle 106 is moved beyond thegeofence. In a similar example, in response to determining that thevehicle 106 is within a predetermined proximity of a boundary of thegeofence, a warning is automatically emitted from the security device103. In another example, the user can transmit voice messages via thesecurity application 251 that are emitted by security device 103 intothe vehicle 106.

In a pet-friendly mode, operating parameters of one or more sensors 218can be modified such that a pet in or around the vehicle 106 does notresult in the security device 103 registering an intrusion event. Thepet friendly mode can include setting the sensor 218 to a lowsensitivity mode or disabling the sensor 218. For example, a sensitivityof a PIR sensor can be reduced such that reflected IR light from the petdoes not trigger the PIR sensor. As another example, a sensitivity of aweight sensor is reduced such that a weight of the pet does not triggerthe weight sensor. In another example, parameters for object recognitionprocesses of image-based sensors are adjusted such that the pet is notrecognized as a potential intruder. In some embodiments, a mobiledevice, such as an RFID tag, is affixed to the pet, for example, on thecollar thereof. In at least one embodiment, the sensor 218 can detectthe mobile device and, in response to the detection, the monitorapplication 215 can automatically configure one or more sensors 218 to apet-friendly mode.

The monitor application 215 can manage the configurations of each of thesensors 218 individually or in the aggregate. In some embodiments, areading from a first sensor 218 can cause the monitor application 215 tomake a configuration change to a second sensor 218. The monitorapplication 215 can configure the various sensors according to one ormore rules in the configuration data 245. In some embodiments, theconfiguration settings for each sensor are determined by the securityservice 233 and sent to the monitor application 215 to apply to thesensors 218. In other embodiments, the monitor application 215 canreceive the rules from the security service 233 and apply the rules toconfigure the security device 103 (e.g., the sensors 218 a and othercomponents) and potentially other devices, such as the vehicle 106 andthe remote devices 209. Measurements from a first sensor 218 can beprocessed and analyzed in a local computing environment anddeterminations generated therefrom can be used to initiate aconfiguration change of a second sensor 218 from a low power mode to ahigh power mode (or vice versa).

In some examples, configuring the sensor corresponds to adjusting theway the monitor application 215 interacts with the sensor. The monitorapplication 215 may receive a stream of a video from a camera sensor 218and only store at the predetermined frequency according to theconfiguration. In one example, the monitor application 215 can configurea camera sensor to continuously operate in a low frequency mode and asound sensor to continuously operate in a high frequency mode. In thissame example, upon the sound sensor detecting a sound of a frequency anddecibel level that satisfies a predetermined threshold (e.g., such as awindow breaking or door handle being operated), the camera sensor isre-configured to a high-frequency mode and captures a continuous videoof the vehicle interior for a predetermined time period.

The sensor 218 can be configured to continuously record a predeterminedperiod of activity at a predetermined refresh rate. In one example, acamera sensor continuously captures a threshold duration of video datain a buffer in real time, the buffer being overwritten by eachsubsequent capture. In the same example, in response to determining thatan event has occurred, the most-recent buffer of video data can beretrieved to provide analyzable data for activity occurring in or aroundthe vehicle 106 during the time period immediately preceding the event.

In some embodiments, one or more sensors 218 may correspond to one ormore electrical components in communication with the monitor application215 via one or more general purpose input and output pins. The monitorapplication 215 may generate a signal, such as an RS232 signal, an RS485signal, an I2C signal, or other signal, to communicate with, read from,or configure the sensor 218. The sensor 218 may include an onboardmemory with configuration options to store the configuration from themonitor application 215. In other embodiments, the sensor 218 may beconfigured based on an input voltage at one or more pins, and themonitoring application 215 can control the output voltage (e.g., via adigital to analog converter, through pulse width modulation, or similarcontrol) on the one or more pins to configure the sensor 218. In anotherembodiment, the sensor 218 may be configured based on a resistancebetween two or more pins, and the monitoring application 215 can adjusta variable resistance to configure the sensor 218.

The monitor application 215 can be configured to perform variousprocesses for supporting functions of the security device 103 including,but not limited to, processing sensor readings, analyzing sensorreadings, and, based on the analyses, determining if an event hasoccurred. In some embodiments, the monitor application 215 can cause thesecurity device 103 to undergo a change in operating mode. For example,the monitor application 215 can determine that readings from a sensor218 exceed a predetermined threshold and, in response to thedetermination, the security device 103 can transition from a low powermode associated with passive sensor processing to a high power modeassociated with transmitting sensor readings and generating alerts.

The monitor application 215 can enable or disable the transceiver 221 a.The transceiver 221 can communicate with the network 212 via an internetconnection. The internet connection can correspond to a cellular dataconnection, a satellite data connection, a WiFi connection, or someother connection. In one embodiment, the security device 103 can connectto a WiFi network provided by the vehicle 106. In another embodiment,the security device 103 can use a first transceiver 221 to access orprovide a cellular or satellite data connection, and the security device103 can use a second transceiver 221 to provide a WiFi hotspot in thevehicle 106. The vehicle 106 or a mobile device 206 may utilize the WiFihotspot to access the internet via the first transceiver and the secondtransceiver.

The transceiver 221 can be configured for sending and receiving data viathe network 212. The monitor application 215, via the transceiver 221 a,can transmit and receive various commands from the computing environment203, the mobile device 206, and/or the remote device 209. In response tocommands received at the transceiver 221, various behaviors andparameters of the security device 103 (or components connected thereto)can be changed. For example, the monitor application 215 can receive acommand instructing the security device 103 to enter a normal or highpower mode. In response to receiving the command, the monitorapplication 215 can automatically re-configure the security device 103from a low power mode to the normal or high power mode. As anotherexample, the monitor application 215 can receive a request for sensorreadings including a video of the interior of the vehicle 106. In thisexample, in response to receiving the request, the monitor application215 can retrieve and transmit buffer data comprising the video to thecomputing environment 203, to the mobile device 206, or to a particulardestination provided in the request.

The storage 224 can provide data storage for interim data being used bythe monitor application 215, such as historical sensor measurementsincluding video and audio data among other data. The monitor application215 may store and maintain one or more sensor data buffers on thestorage 224 with a configured amount of sensor history. As an example,the storage 224 may include a video buffer with the most recent thirtyseconds of video being stored. When an unauthorized event is detected,the monitor application 215 may capture and store sensor data (e.g.,video, audio, or other sensor data) during the unauthorized event. Themonitor application 215 may copy or otherwise initialize the sensor datafor the unauthorized event with a portion or all of the sensor databuffers. The monitor application 215 may transmit the stored sensor datato the computing environment 203, either in real-time or in segmentsaccording to predetermined criteria. In some embodiments, the storage224 includes information associated with one or more user accountsregistered with the security device 103. For example, the storage 224can include lists of contacts, payment processing information,addresses, and other data.

As an illustrative example, an unauthorized person may walk around thevehicle 106 from 1:00:01 PM to 1:00:27 PM, then proceed to break awindow and enter the vehicle 106 from 1:00:28 PM to 1:00:45 PM. Themonitor application 215 may sense an unauthorized person breaking thewindow or entering the vehicle 106, via one or more sensors 218 at1:00:29 PM. At 1:00:29 PM, the sensor data buffer may include historicaldata measurements from 12:59:59 PM (e.g., if configured for a 30 secondbuffer), and the monitor application 215 can capture and store sensordata including the sensor data buffer from 12:59:59 PM (or a subsetthereof). In this example, by using the sensor data buffer, even thoughthe security device 103 doesn't trigger an alarm of the unauthorizedperson entering the vehicle 106 until 1:00:29 PM, the security device103 can still provide sensor data from before the alarm was triggered.

The power source 227 can include a battery, a capacitor, a DC powersource, an AC power source, another power source, or a combinationthereof. As an example, the security device 103 may have a batterymounted inside of a case to provide power to circuitry and sensors 218included therein. As another example, the security device 103 mayreceive power from the vehicle 106, such as from a cigarette lighter, apower outlet, a USB port, an OBD port, a wireless charging connection,or through another connection. In one example, the vehicle 106 mayinclude a wireless power source 227 (e.g., a QI or other inductivecharger) in a cup holder or another location, and the security device103 can receive electrical energy from the wireless charger. Thesecurity device 103 may store the electrical energy in an onboardbattery or other onboard power source 227.

The security device 103 can be mounted into the vehicle 106 to provide auser of the vehicle 106 with monitoring and notification when amalicious party interacts with the vehicle 106. The security device 103can be secured into the vehicle 106 via the locking mechanism 230 toprevent the malicious party from being able to remove or disable thesecurity device 103 during an unauthorized interaction with the vehicle106, e.g., a break-in event. In one embodiment, the security device 103has a form factor that fits within a cup holder of the vehicle 106. Abody of the security device 103 can include a first portion and a secondportion that can be rotated relative to one another. The lockingmechanism 230 may engage when the first portion rotates relative to thesecond portion in a first direction and disengage when the first portionrotates relative to the second portion in a second direction. The firstdirection may be opposite the second direction.

The locking mechanism 230 can include an engaging component that can beenabled or disabled electronically, for example, in response to acommand or in response to a particular sensor reading or determinationgenerated therefrom. In some embodiments, the engaging and disengagingof the locking mechanism can be enabled or disabled by the monitorapplication 215. In one example, the security device 103 may include asolenoid that may extend or retract to enable or disable the lockingmechanism 230. As another example, the locking mechanism 230 can includea cam that may rotate to engage or disengage a clutch mechanism. Whenthe engagement component is disabled, rotating the first portionrelative to the second portion does not engage or disengage the lockingmechanism 230. In contrast, when the engagement component is enabled,rotating the first portion relative to the second portion does engageand/or disengage the locking mechanism 230. In one example, the securitydevice 103 receives a command from the mobile device 206 to disable thelocking mechanism 230 and, in response, the locking mechanism 230receives a signal causing the engaging component to be disabled. Inanother example, a sensor 218 measures an RFID key fob and the monitorapplication 215 determines that the RFID key fob is within apredetermined distance and is associated with an identifier. In thisexample, in response to the determination, the locking mechanism 230automatically disables the engaging component.

When engaging, the locking mechanism 230 may include extending one ormore legs or protrusions outward from the body. The protrusions maycontact and apply a pressure to an interior surface of the cup holdersuch that the protrusions create static friction to prevent removal whenan upward or extracting force is applied to the security device. Thelocking mechanism 230 may include a clutch mechanism or other forcelimiting mechanism to prevent damage to the cup holder of the vehicle106. As an example, once the outward force of the protrusions meets orexceeds a threshold, the clutch mechanism can disengage or slip to allowrotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in thefirst direction without further engaging the locking mechanism 230. Insome embodiments, the monitor application 215 may sense the activationof the clutch mechanism or that the locking mechanism 230 is fullyengaged. The monitor application 215 may provide feedback to a user ofthe security device 103. The feedback can include providing visualfeedback via a light (e.g., a light ring), providing audible feedback(e.g., a chirp or ding), send a message (e.g., a text message, anotification, or an email), or through some other feedback.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 230 can include two or morediscs or plates configured to rotate about a vertical axis. The lockingmechanism 230 can include a clutch mechanism, which can be formed fromtwo or more of the discs. In one embodiment, a spring-loaded retentionmechanism (e.g., a ball bearing, protrusion, substantially sphericalobject, inclined plane, or other object, which are collectively referredto as a “ball” herein) is positioned between the two discs. The ball maybe coupled to a driving pin that passes through an aperture in a firstdisc. Meanwhile, the second disk can include a track for the ball totravel along when the first disk is rotated relative to the second disc.The track may be circular with a distance to the center of the trackfrom the center of the disk being equal at all points. The track caninclude one or more protrusions blocking the track. The protrusions caneach include two inclined planes, with a first inclined plane facing afirst direction and a second inclined plane facing a second directionopposite the first direction. The first inclined plane can contact theball when a first disk rotates relative to the second disk in onedirection. Similarly, the second inclined plane can contact the ballwhen the first disk rotates relative to the second disk in anotherdirection.

When the ball contacts the inclined plane (either the first inclinedplane or the second incline plane), the turning force (also referred toas a rotational force or torque) can be translated into both a verticaland a horizontal component according to an angle of the incline plane.Stated differently, the force to rotate the first portion (including theball) during a rotation becomes obstructed by the inclined plane, and oncontact with the incline plane, cause rotation of the second portionwhile simultaneously providing a vertical component of force on theball. The vertical component of force can be opposed by or push againstthe spring force that holds the ball in place. When the verticalcomponent meets or exceeds the force of the spring, the ball can travelup and over the inclined plane. The vertical component can exceed theforce of the spring when the rotational force meets or exceeds apredetermined set threshold (e.g., about 15-100 N*m) to prevent overtightening (or loosening) of the locking mechanism 230. By travelingover the inclined plane (referred to herein as the clutch mechanismslipping), the ball stops providing the rotational force to the secondportion, and as such, can act as a clutch mechanism. The angle of theincline plane can change the amount of rotational force necessary tocause the clutch mechanism to slip. In some embodiments, the angle ofthe incline plane can be greater, and thereby allow a greater forcebefore the clutch slips, in a loosening direction of travel than in atightening direction of travel. The difference in angle allows a usergreater capability to loosen the security device 103 than to tighten thesecurity device 103.

In alternate embodiments, the locking mechanism 230 is a motorizedlocking system, a screw lock system (e.g., without a clutch mechanism),or another non-clutch-based mechanism for extending the plurality oflegs 307. In at least one embodiment, the locking mechanism 230 engagesbased on non-friction-based mechanisms, such as, for examples, suctionelements, magnets, and adhesives, among others.

In one example, a security device 103 is inserted to a target site and adownward pressure is applied to the security device 103. In thisexample, the downward force depresses a first portion toward a secondportion and the depression causes an internal suction mechanism to bedrawn upwards, thereby generating a vacuum force between a bottomsurface of the security device 103 and the target site. Continuing thisexample, the suction mechanism is locked in the depressed position,thereby securing the security device 103 to the target site based on thevacuum force.

In another example, a bottom surface of the security device 103 includesone or more adhesive strips that can be pressed against a target site tosecure the security 103 thereto. In another example, the security device103 includes an electromagnet that is engaged upon the connection of thesecurity device 103 to a power source. In this example, theelectromagnet secures the security device 103 to a target site withinthe vehicle 106 that includes ferromagnetic materials, such as, forexample, a seat chassis.

The computing environment 203 can include one or more mobile devices206, a security service 233, and a data store 236. The elements of thecomputing environment 203 can be provided via a plurality of computingdevices that may be arranged, for example, in one or more server banksor computer banks or other arrangements. Such computing devices can belocated in a single installation or may be distributed among manydifferent geographical locations. For example, the computing environment203 can include a plurality of computing devices that together mayinclude a hosted computing resource, a grid computing resource, and/orany other distributed computing arrangement. In some cases, thecomputing environment 203 can correspond to an elastic computingresource where the allotted capacity of processing, network, storage, orother computing-related resources may vary over time.

The data store 236 can store various data that is accessible to thesecurity device 103 and/or the mobile device 206, and is used by thenetworked environment to execute various processes and functionsdiscussed herein. The data store 236 can be representative of aplurality of data stores 112 as can be appreciated. The data store 236can include, but is not limited to, user data 239, operation data 242,and configuration data 245. In some embodiments, the user data 239,operation data 242, and/or configuration data 245 (or subsets thereof)are stored in storage 224, such as on the security device 103.

The user data 239 can include information associated with one or moreuser accounts. For example, for a particular user account, the user data239 can include, but is not limited to, an identifier, user credentials(e.g., a username and password, biometric information, such as a facialor fingerprint image, cryptographic keys such as public/private keys,etc.), a name of an owner of the vehicle 106 in which the securitydevice 103 is installed, contact information (e.g., phone number, email,etc.) for a user associated with the user account, user preferences forcontrolling processes in the networked environment 200, paymentprocessing information (e.g., credit card number, expiration date,etc.), and information related to the vehicle 106 (e.g., a make, model,license plate number, etc.). In some embodiments, the user data 239, ora subset thereof, is stored in an encrypted format. For example,personally identifiable information (PII) associated with the user orthe vehicle 106 can be encrypted such that access thereto requires adual-authentication process, authentication of a public-private keypair, and/or other security measures.

The operation data 242 can include readings or measurements from thesensors 218 or other information related to the operation of thesecurity device 103. The operation data 242 can include other historicalinformation such as a history of mode transitions, a history of problems(e.g., data transmission errors, storage errors on storage 224 includingfile system corruptions, interruptions or disruptions to the powersource 227, failure of the locking mechanism 230, identification of anattempt to remove the security device 103 from vehicle 106, etc.). Thereadings and historical information can include timestamps such that theoperation data 242 provides a time-series of data describing activitiesoccurring in or around the vehicle 106.

The configuration data 245 can include parameters for controllingoperation of each sensor 218. Non-limiting examples of parametersinclude, but are not limited to, sensor modes, schedules for controllingsensor behavior, sensitivity levels, power levels, thresholds, and othersuitable parameters. The configuration data 245 can include anidentifier corresponding to each sensor 218. In some embodiments,portions of the configuration data 245 that are co-temporal can bestored as a multi-dimensional storage object in which each dimensioncorresponds to a particular sensor 218 and/or sensing mode (e.g., video,audio, environmental, etc.).

The configuration data 245 can include various threshold values,benchmark values, or ranges of values for controlling processesdescribed herein. In some embodiments, the storage 224 includesconfiguration data 245 associated with each sensor 218 in communicationwith the security device 103. The configuration data 245 can include oneor more rules and configuration options for each security device 103.The rules can be configured by a user via the mobile device 206. As anexample, a first rule for a first security device 103 may relate toprivacy and specify that the GPS location of the vehicle is not to betransmitted or stored in the data store 236. A second rule for a secondsecurity device 103 may specify that the GPS location should bedetermined and sent continuously or at a predetermined frequencywhenever an alarm is triggered. Other rules may include power usagerestrictions (e.g. converting to low-power mode automatically at apreset battery level, disabling a particular sensor 218 until ameasurement from another sensor 218 meets a configured threshold, etc.),authentication requirements (e.g., multi-factor authentication, etc.),and other rules.

The configuration data 245 can be retrieved by, for example, upon setupof the security device 103 and upon changes thereafter. When thesecurity device 103 is offline, any changes to configuration data 245may be held until the next communication with the security device 103 orupon a scheduled event, such as while parked in a garage with high speedinternet. Other non-limiting examples of configuration data 245 include,but are not limited to, audio level thresholds, temperature thresholds,humidity thresholds, pressure change thresholds, emitted or reflectedsignal thresholds (e.g., heat signals, ultrasonic signals, etc.), tiltthresholds, weight thresholds, vehicle specific profiles, andcombinations of thresholds. In one example, a first threshold for anaudio sensor 218 comprises a value that, upon being exceeded by areading of the audio sensor 218, causes the audio sensor 218 totransition from a lower power mode to a high power mode.

The security service 233 is configured to be executed in the computingenvironment 203 to receive contextual data including sensor readings andother data from the security device 103. The security service 233 canreceive, process, and respond to requests from the mobile device 206.The security service 233 can provide real-time data analyses, which canbe used to determine a current status of the vehicle 106. The securityservice 233 can process the readings, compare the readings to user data239, historical operation data 242 or configuration data 245, andgenerate various determinations based on the comparisons and otheranalyses. In one example, the security service 233 can receive andprocess a video stream from the security device 103. In this example,the security service 233 can execute object detection algorithms,machine learning algorithms, etc., on the video data for identifyingfeatures therein and determining if an event occurred, such as a person(e.g., a potential intruder) approaching or entering the vehicle 106.

The mobile device 206 can include one or more displays 248, a securityapplication 251, and one or more input devices 254. The securityapplication 251 can be executed to monitor and control the securitydevice 103. In some embodiments, the security application 251 cancommunicate with the monitor application 215 directly or via thesecurity service 233. The security application 251 can communicate withthe security service 233 to determine various information about thesecurity device 103 including determining a current mode, a currentlocation, a history of events, sensor measurement information, a lockstage of the locking mechanism 230, and various other details. Thesecurity application 251 can generate user interfaces to display thevarious information and receive edits from a user. The securityapplication 251 can communicate those edits to the security service 233or monitor application 215 to adjust configuration properties of thesecurity device 103.

The mobile device 206 can be any network-capable device including, butnot limited to, smartphones, computers, tablets, smart accessories, suchas a smart watch, key fobs, and other external devices. The mobiledevice 206 can include a computing device with a processor and memory.The mobile device 206 can include a display 248 on which various userinterfaces can be rendered by the security application 251 to configure,monitor, and control the security device 103. The security application251 can correspond to a web browser and a web page, a mobile app, anative application, a service, or other software that can be executed onthe mobile device 206. The security application 251 can displayinformation associated with processes of the security device 103. Themobile device 206 can include an input device 254 for providing inputs,such as requests and commands, to the mobile device 206. The inputdevices 254 can include a keyboard, mouse, pointer, touch screen,speaker for voice commands, camera or light sensing device to reachmotions or gestures, or other input device. The security application 251can process the inputs and transmit commands, requests, or responses tothe security device 103 or the computing environment 203 based thereon.According to some embodiments, the mobile device 206 is maintained by asystem user and is often physically separate and remote from thesecurity device 103.

The security application 251 can implement an application programminginterface (API) for facilitating communication with the security device103 and/or computing environment 203. The security application 251 cantransmit, modify, and store various data on the mobile device 206, suchas, for example, an identifier corresponding to the security device 103(or a user thereof) and other user data 239, operation data 242, orconfiguration data 245. In one example, the security application 251 cantransmit arming and disarming commands to the security device 103 orcomputing environment 203 that cause arming or disarming processes to beinitiated (see FIGS. 13, 14). In another example, the securityapplication 251 transmits location data comprising a location of themobile device 206 to the computing environment 203 that processes thelocation data to determine if the user is within a predetermined rangeof the vehicle 106.

When proximate to the security device 103, the security application 251can communicate with the monitor application 215 via a local wirelesscommunication, such as near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, WiFi,or other wireless communications. The mobile device 206 may beconsidered proximate to the security device 103 when the mobile device206 is within a wireless range of the security device 103 for the localwireless communication technology. In some embodiments, the monitorapplication 215 can transition to a different mode based on one or moremobile devices 206 entering or leaving the range of the wirelesscommunication technology.

The remote device 209 can include one or more sensors 218 b, one or moreprocessors 216, one or more transceivers 221 b, one or more storagedevices 224 b, and one or more power sources 227 b. The remote device209 can include a computing device with a processor and memory toexecute an application to perform various functionality discussedherein. The remote device 209 may comprise a secondary device to receivesensor measurements remote from the security device 103. As an example,the remote device 209 may be positioned further toward a rear of thevehicle 106 than the security device 103 such that measurements fromsensors 218 b (e.g., a PIR sensor 218 b or microwave sensor 218 b, etc.)can collect measurements from a different perspective or position withinthe vehicle. In one example, the remote device 209 can be positioned ina rear cup holder, a door cup holder, a door storage area, affixed to awindow, positioned in the truck, or located in another position. Inanother example, the remote device 209 is mounted to a rim of a wheeland includes GPS sensors (e.g., allowing for tracking of the location oftire if removed from the vehicle 106). The remote device 209 can includea battery power source 227 b, a solar power source 227 b, and/or may becoupled to a power source 227 b of the vehicle 106. In some embodiments,the remote device 227 b has a battery power source 227 b and thesecurity device 103 has a power source 227 a that receives electricalenergy from the vehicle 106.

The remote device 209 can communicate with the security device 103 via atransceiver 221 b. The communication may utilize a close proximity andlow power technology that may be wireless or wired, such as Bluetooth,NFC, Zigbee, Z-Wave, WiFi, or similar localized wireless RFcommunication. The remote device 209 may transmit measurements fromsensors 218 b to the monitor application 215 for further processing andtransmission to the computing environment 203. In one embodiment, theremote device 209 reads measurements from sensors 218 b at a frequencythat is below the frequency of measurements read from sensors 218 a toconserve power from power source 227 b. In some embodiments, the remotedevice 209 only communicates with the security device 103. In at leastone embodiment, the remote device 209 reads measurements at a lowersensitivity than the security device 103 to conserve power. As anexample, the sensitivity of a first microwave sensor 218 a is configuredto be higher and use more power than the sensitivity of a secondmicrowave sensor 218 b. Similar to the security device 103, the remotedevice 209 can store sensor data locally on a storage 224 b and transmitthe sensor data from the storage 224 b or can transmit the sensor datadirectly as read.

In some embodiments, the remote devices 209 are distributed around theinterior and/or exterior of the vehicle 106, and each of the remotedevices 209 can communicate with the security device 103 from itsrespective location. Accordingly, each of the remote devices 209 can belocated in a position for optimally detecting intrusions.

The vehicle 106 can include one or more sensors 218 c, an on-boarddiagnostics (OBD) port 257, and one or more transceivers 221 c. Thevehicle 106 can communicate with the network 212 via a wirelesstransceiver 221 c or wired connection. It can be appreciated thatvehicles 106 include various technologies for collecting data such asGPS systems, diagnostic systems, vehicle status systems, and othersystems. The vehicle 106 may obtain vehicle information natively such astire pressure, a current location, an engine temperature, vehicleinterior temperature, exterior temperature, a status of whether thevehicle 106 is running, a position of each window of the vehicle 106,any outstanding service or maintenance issues of the vehicle 106, aspeed of the vehicle 106, a direction of travel of the vehicle 106, acount of miles traveled since starting the vehicle 106, a status ofwhether each door is opened or closed, a status of whether or not eachdoor is locked or unlocked, a status of whether the hood or trunk isopen or closed, a status as to whether the gas cap is secured, engineignition attempts, a change in fuel levels, changes in pedal positions,a status of whether the vehicle 106 is in drive, reverse, park, neutralor other drive configuration, a status of which gear the vehicle is in,and other information related to the current or historical state of thevehicle 106.

The security device 103 can communicate with the vehicle 106 to obtainthe vehicle information via a wireless connection or a wired connection.As an example, the security device 103 may have a cable plugged into aUSB port, the OBD system 257, or some other wired standard to requestand receive the vehicle information. In some embodiments, the securitydevice 103 includes an external component that is inserted into an OBDport or USB port, and transmits data therefrom to the security device103. In some embodiments, the security device 103 can also receive apower supply from a wired connection with the vehicle 106. As anotherexample, the vehicle information can be obtained by the security device103 via a wireless connection, such as WiFi or Bluetooth. In someembodiments, the vehicle information is gathered from the mobile device206, such as, for example, via CarPlay or Android Auto and sent to thesecurity service 233 or monitor application 215 for further processing(or processed on the mobile device 206). In one embodiment, the monitorapplication 215, security service 233, or security application 251 cancommunicate with an API of a service provided by the vehiclemanufacturer or a third party to obtain the vehicle information, suchas, for example, Mercedes®'s MBUX®, General Motor®'s OnStar® service,Chrysler®'s UConnect®, Amazon®'s Alexa®, SiriusXM®, or some otherservice. The vehicle 106 may natively transmit some or all of thevehicle information to the third party service natively.

The networked environment 200 can include one or more external systems259 with which the security device 103, vehicle 106, computingenvironment 203, mobile device 206, and remote device 209 communicate.The external system 259 can include, for example, a manufacturer orother third party system associated with the vehicle 106 (e.g., OnStar®,UConnect®, etc.). The external system 259 can include an ecommercesystem, such as, for example, systems provided by Amazon® or Uber®, aswell as various payment processing services, and systems associated withparticular businesses such as a restaurant or retailer. The externalsystem 259 can include one or more POS devices 261 that are configuredto facilitate transactions. In one example, a POS device 261 includes anear-field communication-based (NFC) payment device configured to detectand communicate with the security device 103 to obtain paymentprocessing information. The payment processing information (e.g., creditcard information, etc.) can be stored on the security device 103 and/orin a profile stored at the computing environment 203 or mobile device206.

The external system 259 can include a commerce service 263 configured toprocess requests and commands. In one example, the commerce serviceauthenticates commands or requests associated with a POS device 161. Inanother example, the commerce service 263 receives requests to generateorders for products and/or services, such as food items at a restaurantor a car wash service. In response to receiving requests or commands,the commerce service 263 can authenticate the command or request basedon user data 239 and/or other user data stored at the external system259. In one example, the commerce service 263 requests user credentialsfrom the computing environment 203 to verify an identity of a useraccount with which a command is associated. The commerce service 263 canreceive readings, such as sensor readings from the sensor 218. In oneexample, the commerce service 263 receives location data from the sensor218, and determines that the vehicle 106 is within a predeterminedgeofence associated with a business. In this example, in response to thedetermination, the commerce service 263 transmits one or more offers orother notifications (such as operating hours, navigation instructions,etc.) to the security device 103 or the mobile device 206. The monitorapplication 215 or security application 251 can process the offers orother notifications and cause the security device 103 to announce theoffer as an audible alert.

Exemplary Device Structure

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a security device 103 according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

The security device 103 can include a body 301 with a generallycylindrical shape. The shape of the body can correspond to a shape of atarget site within a vehicle 106. For example, the body 301 can beshaped to conform to a cup-holder, side door receptacle, or otherstructure within the vehicle 106. In some embodiments, multiple devices101 of varying shapes are included. For example, a vehicle (not shown)can include a first security device of a generally cylindrical shape forconforming to a cup-holder and a second security device of a generallyrectangular and low profile shape for conforming to a side doorreceptacle. The body 301 can include one or more materials including,but not limited to, high-strength plastics, polymers, resins, metals,such as stainless steel, and other resilient or semi-resilientmaterials.

The body 301 can include a first portion 303 and a second portion 305,and the first portion 303 can be configured to rotate about the secondportion 305. The first portion 303 can be configured to freely rotateabout the second portion 305. Alternatively, the first portion 305 canbe configured to rotate freely only between a first and a secondposition that correspond to particular functions of the security device103. In one example, the rotation of the first portion 303 about thesecond portion 305 can engage a locking mechanism (not shown in FIG.3A). In some embodiments, in place of the first portion 303, thesecurity device 103 includes a first portion 3000A, 3000B, 3000C, or3000D (as shown in FIGS. 30A-D).

The security device 103 can include one or more lenses 304. The lens 304can comprise a concentric structure that is configured over and attachedto the body 301. In one example, the lens 304 is a Fresnel lens (e.g.,or an assembly of multiple Fresnel lenses) that is attached to andencircles the first portion 303. In this example, the lens 304 isconfigured over a plurality of PIR sensors (not shown) that are arrangedradially about the first portion 303 (e.g., at equal or varyingheights). Continuing this example, the lens 304 condenses and/orcollimates light onto the PIR sensors, thereby increasing a viewingrange thereof. In some embodiments, the lens 304 comprises a generallydome-shaped structure that partially or fully encapsulates a sensor.

The second portion 305 can include one or more legs 307 that areconfigured to extend or protrude outward from the body 301 in responseto the engaging of the locking mechanism. In one example, rotation ofthe first portion 303 about the second portion 305 causes the pluralityof legs 307 to extend outward and contact and apply pressure to thewalls of a target site, such as a cup holder. As shown in FIG. 3A, theleg 307 is in an unextended position. The leg 307 can include one ormore materials, such as stainless steel or high-strength plastics. Adistal end 309 of the leg 307 can include one or more friction materialsconfigured to contact and generate frictional forces with the walls of atarget site. The friction materials can demonstrate a greatercoefficient of friction than other materials from which the leg 307 isformed. Such frictional materials may include rubber, foam, or othermaterials with high coefficients of friction.

One or more sensors 218 can be disposed on or within the first portion303 and/or the second portion 305. In one example, the first portion 303includes a first sensor 218 attached to a sensor mount 310, and aplurality of secondary sensors 218 configured externally on the body301. In another example, in one embodiment, the first portion 303includes a first sensor for detecting motion of a person and the secondportion 305 includes a second sensor for detecting tilt of the vehicle106. In another example, the first portion 303 includes a first sensorfor detecting pressure and the second portion 305 includes a secondsensor for detecting sound. The body 301 can include one or more sensormounts 310 to which one or more sensors 218 are mounted. The sensor 218can detect activity occurring within the security device 103 and/orwithin and around a vehicle within which the security device 103 isinstalled.

The first portion 303 can include a cup holder 311 for receiving abeverage or other item. In some embodiments, the first portion 303includes a slot (not shown, see FIG. 10) sized to receive a mobiledevice, such as a smartphone. The first portion 303 can include amagnetic or rubberized phone mount for securely holding a smartphone.The security device 103 can include a device for generating an alarm(not shown). The body 301 can include perforations 313 or other voidsfor improved transmission of alarms and other sounds originating withinthe body 301. The first portion 303 can include one or more grooves 315formed into the body 301 that provide means for easier extraction ofitems, such as a smartphone or beverage, placed within the cup holder311.

According to one embodiment, the security device 103 includes one ormore speakers (not shown) for transmitting audible alarms and othernotifications. The cup holder 311 and/or other portions of the body 301can be configured to amplify sounds from the speaker. For example, thesecond portion 305 can be shaped to cause a reverberation of soundswithin the cup holder 311. In an exemplary scenario, sound from thespeaker is projected downward into the cup holder 311 and isreverberated by the second portion 305 such that a clarity and/or volumeof the sound is enhanced. In a similar example, the second portion 305is shaped to reverberate sound through one or more perforations 313throughout the body 301.

The security device 103 can include one or more light rings 306 that areconfigured to emit one or more colors of light at various frequenciesand for various durations. In one example, the light ring 306 emits ared light at about 0.5 Hz in response to the security device 103 beingconfigured to an armed state. In another example, the light ring 306emits a green light at about 0.333 Hz in response to the security device103 being configured to a disarmed state.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the security device 103. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the first portion 303 has been rotated froma first position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3A) to a second position and,in response to the rotation, a plurality of legs 307 extend outward fromthe second portion 305. In one example, the first portion 303 is rotatedabout 45 degrees counterclockwise, thereby engaging a locking mechanism(not shown) that extends the plurality of legs 307 outward.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a security device 103, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. The first portion 303 can includean outer diameter 401 that measures about 60-120 mm, about 60-70 mm,about 70-80 mm, about 80-90 mm, about 90-100 mm, about 91.2 mm, about100-110 mm, or about 110-120 mm, or any other appropriate or relevantmeasure. The first portion 303 can include an inner diameter 403 thatmeasures about 50-100 mm, about 50-60 mm, about 60-70 mm, about 70-80mm, about 78.9 mm, about 80-90 mm, or about 90-100 mm, or any otherappropriate or relevant measure.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a security device 103, according to oneembodiment. The second portion 305 can include an outer diameter 501that measures about 50-100 mm, about 50-60 mm, about 60-70 mm, about64.5 mm, about 70-80 mm, about 80-90 mm, or about 90-100 mm.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a security device 103, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. The security device 103 caninclude a height 601 that measures about 150-250 mm, about 150-160 mm,about 160-170 mm, about 170-180 mm, about 180-190 mm, about 190-200 mm,about 200-210 mm, about 210-220 mm, about 220-230 mm, about 230-240 mm,or about 240-250 mm, or any other appropriate or relevant measure. Thefirst portion 303 can include a height 603 that measures about 120-200mm, about 120-130 mm, about 130-140 mm, about 140-150 mm, about 150-160mm, about 160-170 mm, about 168.9 mm, about 170-180 mm, about 180-190mm, or about 190-200 mm, or any other appropriate or relevant measure.The second portion 305 can include a height 605 that measures about30-100 mm, about 30-40 mm, about 40-50 mm, about 50-60 mm, about 58.6mm, about 60-70 mm, about 70-80 mm, about 80-90 mm, or about 90-100 mm,or any other appropriate or relevant measure.

FIG. 7 is a back view of a security device 103, according to oneembodiment. According to one embodiment, one or more sensors 218 caneach include one or more lenses 701. The lens 701 can be configured toimprove or augment sensing capabilities of the sensor 218. In oneexample, the sensor 218 is a camera sensor and the lens 701 is a fisheyelens that encloses the camera sensor. In this example, the lens 701provides a wider field of view to the PIR sensor. In at least oneembodiment, the lens 701 is selected to provide a particular field ofview to the camera sensor. In one example, a particular lens isconfigured over a camera sensor, where the particular lens can provide aviewing angle of about 180 degrees (or, in alternate examples, about 45,90, 135, 225, 270, 335, or 360 degrees). In another example, the sensor218 is a PIR sensor and the lens 701 is a Fresnel lens that condensesand/or collimates light to increase a viewing range of the PIR sensor.

FIG. 8 is a left-side view of a security device 103, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a right-side view of a security device 103, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a security device 1003, according toone embodiment. The security device 1003 can be substantially similar tothe security device 103. For brevity, numbers previously used are usedagain in these figures to describe/show similar features and/orcomponents.

The security device 1003 can include a first portion 303 and a secondportion 305. One or more sensors 218 can be mounted to a top surface1005 of the first portion 303. The top surface 1005 can include anindicator 1007 for providing various visible indications of statuses ofthe security device 1003. The indicator 1007 can emit various colors oflight with varying frequency (e.g., 0.1667, 0.5, 1 Hz, etc.) andduration (e.g., 3, 10, 60 seconds, etc.). In one example, the indicator1007 is a light-emitting diode (LED) configured to activate and flash ared light at 1-second intervals in response to the security device 1003entering an armed state. As another example, the indicator 1007 emits agreen light in response to the security device 1003 entering a disarmedstate. The security device 1003 can include one or more lenses 304. Thelens 304 can be configured over one or more sensors (not shown) and canimprove various aspects of sensor performance. In one example, the lens304 is a Fresnel lens configured over a plurality of PIR sensors toincrease a viewing range thereof each. In another example, the lens 304filters a spectrum of incoming light to isolate particular wavelengthsof light, such as those corresponding to infrared light, therebypotentially reducing a likelihood of other light spectra interferingwith a particular sensor. In another example, the lens 304 increase aviewing angle of a camera sensor.

The security device 1003 can include one or more light rings 306 thatinclude one or more light-emitting elements (not shown) and functionsimilarly to the indicator 1007. The light ring 306 can generate uniquelight sequences, for example, to indicate a current mode of the securitydevice 103 or the sensor 218. In one example, in response to thesecurity device 103 being configured to a low power mode, the light ring306 flashes a red-colored lighting pattern at a frequency of about 0.333Hz. In another example, in response to the security device 103 beingconfigured to a pet-friendly mode, the light ring 306 emits a sustainedyellow-colored lighting pattern. Any other light sequences or colors arepossible according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The security device 1003 can include a slot 1009 for receiving a mobiledevice, such as a smartphone. In some embodiments, the slot 1009includes elements (not shown) for charging a mobile device and/or forconnecting the mobile device to a computing device within the securitydevice 1003.

The security device 1003 can include a plurality of legs 307. As shownin FIG. 10, the leg 307 is in an extended position (e.g., in response tothe first portion 303 having been rotated about the second portion 305).

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism 230. The lockingmechanism 230 can be configured within a security device (e.g., asecurity device 103 or security device 1003 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10,respectively). For example, the locking mechanism 230 can be centrallylocated within and attached to the body 301. The locking mechanism 230can be connected to a first portion and a second portion of a securitydevice. The locking mechanism 230 can include a plurality of discsaligned along a central axis 1102A, 1102B. The central axis 1102A, 1102Bcan be an axis of rotation about which one or more of the discs mayrotate and along which one or more of the discs (or components connectedthereto) may travel.

The plurality of discs can include, but are not limited to, a top disk1101, bottom disk 1103, first disk 1111, second disk 1115, and extensionplate 1117. The top disk 1101 and bottom disk 1103 can be arrangedopposite and at a distance from each other. In some embodiments, thebottom disk 1101 can be referred to as a third disk.

A plurality of connecting columns 1105A, 1105B, 1105C can connect thetop disk 1101 and the bottom disk 1103. For example, each of theplurality of columns 1105A, 1105B, 1105C receive fasteners, such asscrews, that connect the top disk 1101 to the bottom disk 1103. A motorunit 1107 can be arranged between the top disk 1101 and bottom disk1103. In one example, the motor unit 1107 is attached to the bottom disk1103. One or more cylinders 1104 can be arranged within the bottom disk1103, for example, on either side of the motor unit 1107. The cylinder1104 can provide a potential barrier to tampering or destruction of themotor unit 1107. For example, the cylinder 1104 can include one or moreresilient materials, such as steel, that prevent a tool or otherinstrument from accessing the motor unit 1107.

An attachment ring 1109 can be arranged beneath the bottom disk 1103.The attachment ring 1109 can include a plurality of voids 1110A, 1110B,1110C for attaching the locking mechanism 230 to a body 301 (FIG. 3).The attachment ring 1109 can include a central void (not shown) throughwhich one or more connection pins or plates may pass. The first disk1111 can be arranged beneath the attachment ring 1109. The first disk1111 can be configured to receive one or more connection pins or platesthat allow for rotations of a first portion of a security device to betransferred to the first disk 1111 (e.g., and other plates connectedthereto). One or more driving pins 1113 can be inserted through thefirst disk 1111. In response to rotation of the first disk 1111, thedriving pin 1113 can interface with and cause a corresponding rotationof the second disk 1115.

The second disk 1115 can be arranged beneath the first disk 1111. Theextension plate 117 can be attached to and arranged beneath the seconddisk 1115. The extension plate 1117 can be configured to interface witha plurality of legs 307. For example, the rotation of the second disk1115 causes a corresponding rotation of the extension plate 1117.Continuing this example, the rotation of the extension plate 1117 causesthe plurality of legs 307 to extend outward from the second portion ofthe security device and contact walls of a target site.

In at least one embodiment, the first disk 1111, second disk 1115, andone or more driving pins are referred to collectively as a slip clutchmechanism or clutch mechanism, various embodiments of which is describedwith reference to FIG. 2 and, further, with reference to FIGS. 15A-17.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a lower portion 1200 of the lockingmechanism 230. For the purposes of illustrating and describing thelocking mechanism 230, the top disk 1101 has been removed from thelocking mechanism for the image shown in FIG. 12.

The motor unit 1107 can be attached to the bottom disk 1103 via abracket 1201. The motor unit 1107 can include one or more cams 1203configured to rotate in response to activation of the motor unit 1107.The cam 1203 can be configured to engage a connection plate 1205 that isoperative to move through the second disk 1103 via an aperture 1207. Forexample, the cam 1203 is attached to the motor unit 1107 at a pointoff-center of a midpoint of the cam 1203. In this example, as the cam1203 rotates, a top portion 1204 of the cam 1203 contacts the connectionplate 1205 and pushes the connection plate 1205 downwards through theaperture 1207 and the attachment ring 1109 (e.g., such that one or moreconnection pins engage with the first disk 1111). In some embodiments,the motor unit 1107, connection plate 1205, and one or more connectingpins are referred to collectively as an “engagement component.”

For example, in an armed state, the engaging component can be disabled.In this example, the cam 1203 can be rotated upward such that theconnection plate 1205 is translated upwards (e.g., in response to one ormore springs 1307 shown in FIG. 13) and, thus, a rotation of the firstportion of the security device is not translated to the second portion.Continuing this example, because the rotation is not transferred, thetop disk 1101 (not shown), and bottom disk 1103 rotate freely and thefirst disk 1111, second disk 1115, and extension plate 1117 do notrotate.

In another example, in a disarmed state, the engaging component can beenabled. In this example, the cam 1203 can be rotated downward such thatthe connection plate 1205 is translated downwards and engages the firstdisk 1111, and thus a rotation of the first portion of the securitydevice is translated to the second portion. Continuing this example,because the rotation is transferred, the top disk 1101 (not shown), andbottom disk 1103, first disk 1111, second disk 1115, and extension plate1117 rotate. In this example, the rotation of the second disk 1115 andextension plate 1117 may proceed to a predetermined applied force, atwhich point the second disk 1115 causes the first disk 1111 torotationally slip.

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the lockingmechanism 230. For the purposes of illustrating and describing thelocking mechanism 230, the top disk 1101, bottom disk 1103, andattachment ring 1109 are removed in FIG. 13.

The connection plate 1205 can include one or more connection pins. Forexample, the connection plate 1205 includes a plurality of connectingpins 1301A, 1301B, 1301C, 1301D. The first disk 1111 can include one ormore apertures 1303 for receiving the connecting pin 1301. For example,the connection plate 1205 can include a plurality of apertures 1303A,1303B, 1303C, 1303D. A number of apertures 1303 can be greater than anumber of connecting pins 1301 (e.g., to improve an ease by which aconnecting pin 1301 can be received into an aperture 1303). Theconnection plate 1205 can move downward (e.g., in response to rotationof the cam 1203) and a portion of the connecting pin 1301 can bereceived into the aperture 1303, thereby forming a connection by whichrotation of the top portion 303 (not shown, see FIG. 3) is translated toand causes a corresponding rotation of the first disk 1111.

The first disk 1111 can include one or more driving pins. For example,the first disk 1111 includes a plurality of driving pins 1305A, 1305B,1305C, 1305D. The driving pin 1305 can be configured to engage thesecond disk 115, for example, upon rotation of the first disk 1111. Thedriving pin 1305 can cause the second disk 115 and the attachedextension plate 117 to rotate. The rotation of the extension plate 117can cause a plurality of legs (not shown) to extend outward and securethe security device within a target site.

The connection plate 1205 can be spring-loaded such that the connectionplate 1205 is biased to retract upward from the apertures 1303A, 1303B,1303C, 1303D. The connection plate can include one or more springs 1307that extend over the connecting pins 1301A, 1301B, 1301C, 1301D and aresized to contact an outer portion 1309 of each aperture. Thespring-loaded bias of the connection plate 1205 against the apertures1303A, 1303B, 1303C, 1303D may maintain a disengagement of theconnection plate 1205 and the first disk 1111 when the cam 1203 isdisengaged from the connection plate 1205. For example, in response tothe cam 1203 being disengaged, the connection plate 1205 canautomatically retract from the apertures 1303A, 1303B, 1303C, 1303D.

In some embodiments, the cam 1203 is attached to the connection plate1205 such that rotations of the cam 1203 raise or lower the connectionplate 1205, thereby raising and lowering the one or more connection pins1301 out of or into the apertures one or more 1303.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a first disk 1111, according to oneembodiment. The first disk 1111 can include a plurality of openings1401A, 1401B, 1401C, 1401D that are each configured to receive a drivingpin.

FIG. 15A is a front view of a driving pin 1305, according to oneembodiment. The driving pin 1305 can include a shaft 1501 connected to atip 1503. The shaft 1501 and tip 1503 can be integrally formed orattached (e.g., via one or more attachment means, such as welding). Theshaft 1501 can be sized to fit within the aperture 1303 (not shown) andthe tip 1503 can be sized such that it may not pass through the aperture1303. In one example, the driving pin 1305 is inserted upwards (e.g.,shaft-first) into the aperture 1303 until a top surface 1507 of the tip1503 contacts a bottom of the aperture 1303 (e.g., which may be a bottomsurface of the first disk 1111) and prevents further insertion.

The driving pin 1305 can include a retention mechanism 1505. Theretention mechanism 1505 can include a ball configured to travel along atrack of the second disk 1115. As the first disk 1111 is rotated, theretention mechanism 1505 can engage with and cause the rotation of thesecond disk 1115. The axis 1507A, 1507B defines a cross-section 1500shown in FIG. 15B.

FIG. 15B is a cross-section 1500 of a driving pin 1305, according to oneembodiment. The shaft 1501 and tip 1503 can include a void 1509 throughwhich the retention mechanism 1505 can travel. One or more springs 1511can be arranged within the void 1509 such that the spring 1511 opposesthe movement of the retention mechanism 1505 into the void 1509. Thus,in some embodiments, the driving pin 1305 can be spring-loaded such thatthe retention mechanism 1505 can engage with and apply a horizontalforce to the second disk 1115, and also translate upwards into the void1509 in response to the retention mechanism 1505 traveling upwards alonga track of the second disk 1115. In at least one embodiment, a springconstant of the spring 1511 is selected to result in greater or lesserresistance to the retention mechanism 1505 translating upwards and intothe void 1509. According to one embodiment, the greater the springconstant, the greater the maximum magnitude of torque that can beapplied to the second disk 1115 by the driving pin 1305 (e.g., and viceversa). Upon the maximum torque being reached, the retention mechanism1505 can be fully received into the void 1509 such that the driving pin1305 “slips” across the track of the second disk 1115 and may not causefurther rotations thereof.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a second disk 1115, according to oneembodiment. The second disk 1115 can include one or more tracks 1601.The track 1601 can surround a central portion 1602. The track 1601 canbe configured to receive one or more retention mechanisms (e.g., aretention mechanism 1505 as shown in FIG. 15). In one example, the track1601 receives four retention mechanisms. The track 1601 can include oneor more protrusions 1603. The protrusion 1603 can include a firstinclined plane 1605 oriented in a first direction and a second inclinedplane 1607 oriented in a second direction opposite from the firstdirection. The first inclined plane 1605 and second inclined plane 1607can each be configured to engage with a retention mechanism of a drivingpin (e.g., a retention mechanism 1505 of a driving pin 1305).

As an example, upon the first disk 1111 being rotated in a firstdirection (e.g., clockwise) by a first force, the retention mechanism1505 contacts and applies a second force (e.g., proportional to thefirst force) to the first inclined plane 1605. In this example, ahorizontal component of the second force pushes the second disk 1115 andcauses the rotation thereof in the first direction. Continuing thisexample, the rotation of the second disk 1115 can cause rotation of anextension plate, thereby resulting in an extension of a plurality oflegs that contact and apply a force to walls of a target site (e.g., theforce being proportional to the torque applied by the retentionmechanism 1505). An engagement mechanism (e.g., a connection plate andone or more connecting pins) can be disabled (e.g., the one or moreconnecting pins are withdrawn from apertures in the first disk 1111),thereby preventing the translation of rotation from the first portion tothe first disk 1111 and second disk 1115. The plurality of legs canremain extended and, due to the retraction of the connection plate,further rotation of the first portion neither extends nor retracts theplurality of legs. In at least one embodiment, the above example occursin a process for locking a security device within a target site toprevent removal.

As another example, upon the first disk 1111 being rotated in a seconddirection (e.g., counter-clockwise) by a first force, the retentionmechanism 1505 contacts and applies a second force to the secondinclined plane 1607. In this example, a horizontal component of thesecond force pushes the second disk 1115 and causes the rotation thereofin the second direction. In this example, as the retention mechanism1505 rotates the second disk 1115, an extension plate is correspondinglyrotated and causes a retraction of a plurality of legs away from wallsof a target site. According to one embodiment, the above example occursin a process for unlocking a security device within a target site toallow for removal.

An angle of friction of the first inclined plane 1605 can be less thanan angle of friction of the second inclined plane 1607. A slope of thefirst inclined plane 1605 can be less than a slope of the secondinclined plane 1607. The angle of friction can generally refer to anangle at which a retention mechanism 1505 contacts an inclined plane or,in other words, a measurement of the slope of an inclined plane. In oneexample, the first inclined plane 1605 includes an angle of friction ofabout 45 degrees and the second inclined plane 1607 includes an angle offriction of about 75 degrees. In at least one embodiment, the greaterangle of friction of the second inclined plane 1607 results in a lowerlevel of rotation and, thus, a lower level of force being sufficient torotate the second disk 1115 in a direction causing retraction of aplurality of legs. In other words, in one or more embodiments, thelesser angle of friction of the first portion 1605 results in a greaterlevel of rotation and force being sufficient to rotate the second disk1115 in a first direction (e.g., that results in locking the position ofthe security device) as compared to a level of rotation and force beingrequired to rotate the second disk 1115 in a second direction (e.g.,that results in an unlocking of the position of the security device).

According to one embodiment, the angles of friction of the firstinclined plane 1605 and second inclined plane 1607 are selected toconfigure a threshold magnitude of force that, upon being exceeded bythe retention mechanism 1505, causes the retention mechanism 1505 toslip past the protrusion 1603. The slippage of the retention mechanism1505 can allow further rotation of the first portion of the securitydevice 103 about the second portion without further engaging the lockingmechanism 230 (e.g., preventing the plurality of legs from being furtherextended).

In one example, as the retention mechanism 1505 contacts the firstinclined plane 1605 and the plurality of legs contact the walls of thetarget site, further rotation of the first disk 1111 requires anincreasingly greater magnitude of force. The retention mechanism 1505 isheld in contact with the first inclined plane 1605 by a spring (e.g.,spring 1511 shown in FIG. 15B) that opposes a vertical component fromthe applied rotational force, however the spring simultaneously allowsthe retention mechanism 1505 to slide upwards along the first inclinedplane 1605. The retention mechanism 1505 slips upward along the firstinclined plane 1605 until a predetermined magnitude of force is reached,at which point the retention mechanism 1505 slips over the top of thefirst inclined plane 1605, past the protrusion 1603, and onto the track1601. In this example, further rotation of the retention mechanism 1505results in similar slippages and, thus, the walls of the target site andthe locking mechanism 230 may be prevented from experiencing damage orfailure due to excessive forces.

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of the locking mechanism 230,according to one embodiment. For the purposes of illustrating anddescribing the locking mechanism 230, the top disk 1101, bottom disk1103, attachment ring 1109, motor unit 1107, and connection plate 1205are removed in FIG. 17.

As shown in FIG. 17, the first disk 1111 can be rotated clockwise,thereby causing the driving pin 1305 to travel along the track 1601. Asthe first disk 1111 is further rotated in the clockwise direction, thedriving pin 1305 can contact the first inclined plane 1605 and impart aturning force. A horizontal component of the turning force can cause thesecond disk 1115 and extension plate 1117 to rotate in the firstdirection, thereby extending the plurality of legs. As the plurality oflegs extend and contact walls of a target site, a resistance to furtherrotation is generated that results in an increasing magnitude of turningforce being required to rotate the second disk 1115. As the resistanceto rotation increases, a vertical force is exerted on the driving pin1305 and a retention mechanism 1505 (not shown) is driven upwards alongthe first inclined plane 1605. Upon the resistance, and thus the turningforce, reaching a predetermined magnitude, the driving pin 1305 slipsover the protrusion 1603 and further rotation results in additionalslippage, preventing further extension of the plurality of legs.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an extension plate 1117, according toone embodiment. The extension plate 1117 can include a top portion 1801and a bottom portion 1803. The top portion 1801 can be sized to bereceived into a second disk 1115 (FIG. 11), at which point the bottomportion 1803 may be centrally aligned and flush against the second disk1115. The extension plate 1117 can include one or more voids 1805 thatpass through the top portion 1801 and bottom portion 1803. The void 1805can receive a fastener, such as a bolt or screw, for securing theextension plate 1117 to the second disk 1115.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of an extension plate 1117, according to oneembodiment. The extension plate 1117 can include a bottom surface 1901that includes an edge 1903 and an interior region 1905. The bottomsurface 1901 can include a ridge 1907 that initiates at the edge 1903and terminates within the interior region 1905. The ridge 1907 can forma circular shape of tapering diameter (e.g., similar to a thread). Theridge 1907 can be configured as a thread-like mechanism for interfacingwith corresponding ridges of one or more legs 307 (FIG. 3). In oneexample, the ridge 1907 is received between ridges of one or more legs307 and, as the extension plate 1117 is rotated in a first direction,the ridge 1907 exerts an outward radial force on the one or more legs307, which, in response, extend outward. In another example, as theextension plate 1117 is rotated in a second direction, the ridge 1907exerts an inward radial force on the one or more legs 307, which, inresponse, translate inwards.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a second portion 305, according to oneembodiment. The second portion 305 can include one or more slots 2001A,2001B that are each sized to receive a leg (e.g., a leg 307, not shown).The slot 2001A can include one or more guide rails that are sized to bereceived into corresponding grooves of a leg and that are configured torestrain the motion of the leg. For example, a slot 2001A includes oneor more bottom rails 2003A that are received into a corresponding bottomgroove of a leg. Continuing this example, the slot 2001A includes one ormore side rails 2003B that are received into corresponding side groovesof the leg. In this example, the bottom rail 2003A and side rail 2003Bmaintain a central alignment of the leg within the slot 2001A andconfine the extension and retraction of the leg to a predetermineddirection.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a leg 307, according to one embodiment.The leg 307 can include a top surface 2101. The leg 307 can include oneor more ridges 2103A, 2103B, 2103C, 2103D that extend from the topsurface 2101. The plurality of ridges 2103A, 2103B, 2103C, 2103D can bespaced along the top surface 2101 such that a ridge of an extensionplate (e.g., ridge 1907 of the extension plate 1117 shown in FIG. 19)can be received into gaps 2105A, 2105B, 2105C, 2105D. The leg 307 caninclude one or more grooves 2107A, 2107B configured to receive rails ofa bottom portion (e.g., rails 2003A, 2003B as shown in FIG. 20). Inanother example, the leg 307 includes a side groove 2107A configured toreceive a side rail 2003B (FIG. 20). The leg 307 can include a bottomgroove (not shown) configured to receive a bottom rail 2003A (not shown,see FIG. 20). The interface of the rails and grooves confines theextension and retraction of the leg 307 to a single direction (e.g.,into and out of a slot 2001 shown in FIG. 20).

FIG. 22A is a top view of a second portion 305 including a plurality oflegs 307A, 307B, 307C, according to one embodiment.

The legs 307A, 307B, 307C can be arranged radially within the secondportion 305. The ridges and gaps (not shown) of each leg 307 can bealigned into concentric regions 2201A, 2201B, 2201C. The gaps 2105 canreceive a ridge 1907 of an extension plate 1117 (see FIG. 19). As anextension plate 1117 (not shown) is rotated in a first direction, aridge 1907 can apply an outward radial force to the legs 307A, 307B,307C that causes extension outward (e.g., along rails 2003, not shown)from the second portion 305. As the extension plate 1117 is rotated in asecond direction, the ridge 1907 can apply an inward radial force to thelegs 307A, 307B, 307C that causes retraction into the second portion305.

FIG. 22B is a top view of a second portion 305. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 22B, the plurality of legs 307A, 307B, 307C protrude, forexample, in response to rotation of a first portion 303 (not shown).

Exemplary Processes

Before turning to the process flow diagrams of FIGS. 23-28, it is notedthat embodiments described herein may be practiced using an alternativeorder of the steps illustrated in any of the FIGS. 23-27. That is, theprocess flows illustrated in FIGS. 23-27 are provided as examples only,and the embodiments may be practiced using process flows that differfrom those illustrated. Additionally, it is noted that not all steps arerequired in every embodiment. In other words, one or more of the stepsmay be omitted or replaced, without departing from the spirit and scopeof the embodiments. Further, steps may be performed in different orders,in parallel with one another, or omitted entirely, and/or certainadditional steps may be performed without departing from the scope ofthe embodiments.

With reference to FIG. 23, shown is a flowchart of an exemplarydetection system process 2300, according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, the process 2300 includes performing adevice setup process 2400 (shown in FIG. 24) in which the systemundergoes an initial setup. By the process 2400, the security device 103can be installed within a target site (e.g., a cup-holder) of a vehicle106 and a mobile device 206 of an owner of the vehicle can be associatedwith the security device 103.

In at least one embodiment, the initial setup may include connecting toa network (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, Bluetooth, internet, etc.),registering the security application 251 with the security device 103,powering-up the security device 103, initializing one or more of thesensors 218, etc. In some embodiments, registering includes providingthe security application 251 with an identification number associatedwith the security device 103 (and/or the sensors 218). In variousembodiments, the default state of the security device 103 in response tothe initial setup may be a disarmed state. In the discerned state, thesecurity device 103 may or may not detect intrusions within therespective monitored automobile; however, if an intrusion is detected,there may be no alarm raised.

Step 2303 includes determining if a command to initiate an armed stateis initiated and/or received at the security device 103. If the armingcommand is determined to be received or initiated, an arming process2500 can be performed. The process 2300 can repeat step 2303 tocontinuously await receipt of an arming command or other command (e.g.,in which case the process 2300 may be suspended and appropriate actionstaken based on the command). The command can be received from the mobiledevice 206 or the computing environment 203. For example, a user canprovide a selection to the security application 251 that causes thearming command to be transmitted to the security device 103. In anotherexample, the computing environment 203 can determine that a location ofthe mobile device 206 is outside of a predetermined geofence extendingfrom the security device 103. In this example, in response to thedetermination, the computing environment 203 can automatically transmitthe arming command.

In some embodiments, the arming command is transmitted from a mobiledevice 206 such as a key fob or other RFID-enabled device. In oneexample, the security device 103 recognizes particular RFID-enabledmobile devices 206 as registered, authenticated, and/or secured devicesby comparing an identifier or credential thereof to authentication datain the storage 224 a or from the data store 112. The security device 103can take various actions based on successful or failed recognition ofmobile devices 206. For example, if the monitor application 215 does notdetect a registered RFID-enabled mobile device 206 for a predeterminedamount of time (e.g., 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.), themonitor application 215 may determine that owner of the vehicle 106 isno longer nearby. In this example, in response to the determination, themonitor application 215 automatically takes one or more actions, such asinitiating an armed state or transmitting an alert to the computingenvironment 203 that transmits, in response, a command to enter an armedstate.

In some embodiments, the monitor application 215 or security application251 receives and processes voice arming commands from a recognized userannouncing to arm the security device 103. For example, the mobiledevice 206 can be integrated with third-party voice recognitionplatforms (e.g., Alexa™, Siri™, etc.) for arming the automobile orexecuting other tasks. In this example, a user can announce a directiveto arm the security device 103 and, in response, the securityapplication 251 can transmit an arming command to the security device103.

In at least one embodiment, the arming command is initiated in responseto the rotation of a first portion of the security device 103 in a firstdirection. For example, in response to a sensor 218 detecting therotation of the first portion in a first direction, the monitorapplication 215 can determine that the security device 103 is in alocked state and initiate the arming command.

In various embodiments, by the arming process 2500, the security device103 is configured to an armed state. The armed state can includeactivating one or more sensors 218 and receiving readings therefrom. Insome embodiments, a notification can be transmitted to the mobile device206 to indicate the transition to the armed state. In at least oneembodiment, one or more lighting elements on the security device 103 areactivated to indicate the armed state.

At step 2306, the process 2300 includes transmitting readings from thesensor 218 and/or other sources. Readings from multiple sensors 218 andother sources, such as an OBD system 257, can be transmitted. Forexample, readings from a first, second, third, and fourth sensor 218 canbe transmitted, as well as readings from an OBD system 257 and a remotedevice 209. No limitation is placed on the number of sensors 218 (orother sources) from which readings can be received and from whichanalyses and determinations can be performed.

The sensor readings can be transmitted from the sensor 218 to themonitor application 215. In some embodiments, the sensor readings aretransmitted to the security application 251 and/or computing environment203. The transmission can occur continuously and in virtually real timeas the sensor 218 performs measurements. Each sensor 218 can compare itsreadings to a predetermined threshold. In response to determining that areading satisfies a predetermined threshold, the reading can betransmitted to the monitor application 215 (e.g., and furthertransmitted to the security application 251 or computing environment203). The received sensor readings can be stored locally in storage 224a or storage 224 b, or can be stored in operation data 242. According toone embodiment, sensor readings included in buffer data are alsotransmitted.

In some embodiments, a transceiver for transmitting the readings can beactivated to transmit the readings and deactivated thereafter, forexample, to prevent potential interference with collection of additionalsensor readings. In one example, the monitor application 215 depowers atransceiver 221A until sensor readings in excess of a predeterminedthreshold are detected. In this example, in response to the sensorreadings meeting or exceeding the predetermined threshold, the monitorapplication 215 directs power to the transceiver 221A, which transmitsthe sensor readings. Continuing this example, following the transceiver221A transmitting the sensor readings, the monitor application 215depowers the transceiver 221A.

In at least one embodiment, sensor readings are transmitted based on anapplication of one or more rules. The one or more rules can include, forexample, sensing time periods, sensor types, and other rules.Application of a particular rule can result in transmission of only asubset of sensor readings that corresponds to a particular time windowin which a particular sensor reading exceeded a threshold. Theparticular time window can be a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 10seconds, 1 minute, etc.) preceding and following a time point at which aparticular sensor recorded the threshold-violating sensor reading.Application of a second particular rule can result in transmission ofonly a subset of readings corresponding to a subset of sensor types. Inat least one embodiment, rules for sensor reading transmission can beretrieved from one or more profiles. The one or more profiles can bedownloaded to the security device 103, for example, from the securityservice 233.

In one example, in response to a PIR sensor recording athreshold-violating reading, sensor readings from the PIR sensor and amicrowave sensor can be transmitted, while cotemporal sensor readingsfrom an audio sensor and an accelerometer are not transmitted. Asanother example, a video sensor records a first segment of videocorresponding to a time period of 12:30-12:35 PM and the monitorapplication 215 determines that the first segment violates a threshold(e.g., motion is detected in the video). Continuing this example, asecond segment of video from the video sensor (or another video sensor)corresponding to a time period of 12:25-12:30 PM is retrieved and usedto initialize data, including the first and second segments, that istransmitted to the security service 233. Thus, in the above example,video data corresponding to both a detected event and a time periodimmediately preceding the event can be initialized and transmitted foranalysis.

The readings can include readings associated with one or more mobiledevices 206 or remote devices 209. In one example, a battery level for akey fob is transmitted to the security device 103 in response to thesecurity device 103 or a separate sensor interrogating the key fob. Anindication of firmware version or other configuration state associatedwith the mobile device 206 or remote device 209 can be transmitted tothe security device 103 or computing environment 203. For example, asignal can be transmitted that indicates a particular version ofsoftware is installed on a user's smartphone, the software configuredfor executing a security application 251.

At step 2309, the process 2300 includes determining if an eventoccurred. The determination can be generated based on or more analysesof the sensor readings and/or other information. If an event isdetermined to have occurred, the process 2300 can proceed to step 2312.If an event is not determined to have occurred, the process 2300 cancontinuously perform steps 2306-2309 to continue receiving and analyzingreadings until an event is determined to have occurred or until acommand is received. In one example, the process 1100 repeats the steps2306-2309 until receipt of a command to transition the security device103 to a disarmed state. In another example, the steps 2306-2309 arerepeated until a predetermined activation schedule reaches apredetermined time period at which point the security device 103 isautomatically disarmed. In some embodiments, the analysis is performedbased on a profile. The profile can include one or more thresholds foranalyzing sensor readings. For example, the profile can include athreshold intensity for a PIR sensor 218, the threshold intensity beingassociated with the particular vehicle 106 in which the security device103 is installed.

Analyzing the sensor readings generally can include one or more of, butis not limited to, comparing the sensor readings to predeterminedthresholds, executing various algorithms with the sensor readings asinput parameters, comparing patterns in the sensors readings tohistorical or reference patterns, and detecting disturbances in thesensor readings that contradict (or align with) historical data, etc. Insome embodiments, the monitor application 215 determines that sensorreadings satisfy an initial threshold and, in response, the sensorreadings are transmitted to the security application 251 and/or thecomputing environment 203 for further analysis and/or review by an ownerof the vehicle 106. In at least one embodiment, multiple securitydevices 103 and/or remote devices 209 perform the analyses. For example,a first security device 103 can transmit sensor readings from a firstsensor 218 to a second security device 103 that analyzes the transmittedreadings. The second security device 103 can also analyze a secondaryset of sensor readings from a second sensor 218.

In one example, in response to determining that a temperature readingassociated with PIR sensor data is above a particular threshold, themonitor application 215 determines that the temperature readingindicates a human intrusion. In another example, in response todetermining a change in pressure readings within the vehicle 106, thesecurity application 251 determines that a vehicle door was opened and,thus, a potential intrusion has occurred. In another example, a tirepressure sensor 218 records a reduction in air pressure and, in responseto the reduction meeting or exceeding a predetermined threshold, themonitor application 215 determines that the tire has been damaged. Inanother example, a tilt sensor 218 installed on a vehicle records achange in tilt readings beyond predetermined thresholds and a lightsensor 218 installed on a typically unexposed portion of a wheel recordsan increase in light intensity beyond a predetermined threshold. In thisexample, based on the detected tilt of the vehicle and the increase inlight intensity, the monitor application 215 determines that a rim ofthe wheel has been removed.

In another example, the sensor readings include video data that isanalyzed using computer vision algorithms (e.g., openCV, backgroundsubtraction, or the like) for identifying characteristics in the videodata indicative of a human intrusion. In this example, in response todetecting predetermined or algorithmically-identified motions within thevehicle 106 (e.g., the opening of the automobile door, a person enteringthe automobile, etc.), the computing environment 203 can trigger analarm. In some embodiments, the video data is processed to determine(e.g., via facial recognition) that the detected motion is the owner (orknown operator) of the vehicle 106 and, thus, the detected motion doesnot correspond to an intrusion event. In one example, a video stream ofa camera sensor 218 is processed and a face is identified in one or moreimages of the video stream (e.g., a face of a potential intruder withinthe vehicle 106). Continuing this example, using one or more facialrecognition algorithms, one or more characteristics can be determinedfrom the identified face. In the same example, the one or morecharacteristics can be compared to a data store of facial images orcharacteristics and an identification of the face can be determined.

In various embodiments, the monitor application 215 can verify theintrusion from multiple sources before triggering an alarm, such as, forexample, determining that a change in pressure readings occurred withinthe vehicle 106 followed by determining that the temperature readingindicates a human intrusion.

The analyses of the sensor readings can be determined based on a settingor mode of the security device 103. For example, in pet-friendly mode,the predetermined threshold for PIR readings is increased such that thepresence of a small animal does not result in determinations of events.In another example, in valet mode, the predetermined geofence formonitoring the location of the security device 103 is increased (e.g.,from several feet to several hundred feet) such that the valet's parkingof the vehicle 106 at a nearby area is not determined to be an intrusionevent.

In some embodiments, multiple determinations from sensor readings ofdiffering sensors 218 are used to determine event occurrence. The use ofmultiple sensor readings of differing modes can reduce a likelihood of afalse positive (e.g., a false alarm). In one example, the computingenvironment 203 determines that readings from a PIR sensor 218A exceed apredetermined threshold but also determines that readings from a videosensor 218B do not demonstrate motion or include a person. In thisexample, in response to the positive determination from the PIR data andthe negative determination from the video data, the computingenvironment 203 determines that an event has not occurred. In anotherexample, the monitor application 215 determines that readings from anultrasonic sensor 218A exceed a predetermined threshold but alsodetermines that readings from a PIR sensor 218B fall below apredetermined threshold (e.g., indicating that the detected object fromthe ultrasonic readings are not associated with a human). Othernon-limiting examples of sensor reading combinations include, but arenot limited to, ultrasonic distance and camera-based readings, PIRintensity and RFID-based readings, readings from a first PIR sensor anda second PIR sensor, and various combinations of sensor readings andreadings from an OBD system 257.

As another example, the monitor application 215 determines that readingsfrom a PIR sensor 218A and an audio sensor 218B exceed predeterminedthresholds. In this example, the monitor application 215 receives datafrom an OBD system 257 indicating that a door of the vehicle 106 hasbeen opened. Continuing this example, in response to the data from theOBD system 257, the monitor application 215 determines that the readingsfrom the PIR sensor 218A and audio sensor 218B do not correspond to afalse positive and thus a potential intrusion is detected.

The readings associated with one or more mobile devices 206 or remotedevices 209 can be analyzed to detect various states and statusesthereof. In one example, a battery level for a key fob is compared to apredetermined threshold, the comparison for determining if the key fobhas a low battery. In this example, in response to the battery levelbeing less than a predetermined threshold, the key fob is determined tohave a low battery (e.g., requiring replacement or recharging). Inanother example, a rolling code is calculated and authenticated for thekey fob (e.g., via the OBD system 257 and/or monitor application 215).In this example, in response to successfully authenticating the rollingcode, the presence of a person within the vehicle 106 is determined. Inanother example, a particular version of software running on the mobiledevice 206 can be compared to a plurality of software versions todetermine if the mobile device 206 can be (or should be) updated fromthe particular software version.

At step 2312, the process 1100 includes performing one or more actionsin response to the detected event. The one or more actions can include,but are not limited to, transmitting an alert, storing the sensorreadings, retrieving and transmitting buffer data, serving data at a webpage accessible via the security application 251, analyzing the sensorreadings to determine additional information associated with the event,and initiating an alarm at the security device 103. In at least oneembodiment, in response to determining that sensor readings correspondto a false positive, a warning notification is transmitted.

In one example, the monitor application 215 transmits an alert to lawenforcement, a third-party security service, and/or to an emergencycontact stored in user data 239. In another example, the computingenvironment 203 hosts a web page including a livestream of images from acamera sensor 218 and a link to the web page is transmitted to thesecurity application 251. In this example, a user may access the webpage and review the images to verify if an intrusion occurred, and theweb page can include selectable options for taking additional actions.Buffer data, including video and/or audio data, can be retrieved, thebuffer data corresponding to a predetermined time period (e.g., 30seconds, 2 minutes, 15 minutes, etc.) preceding the detected event. Forexample, a video buffer corresponding to a period of 5 minutes prior toa detected increase in a PIR intensity reading is retrieved andtransmitted to the security service 233.

In another example, the monitor application 215 transmits the sensorreadings to the security application 251 that generates a summary of thedetected event and renders the summary on the display 248. The summarycan include, but is not limited to, the determination from the analysis,the sensor readings, buffer data, a timestamp corresponding to theintrusion event, a location of the vehicle 106, and/or contactinformation for emergency services.

In some embodiments, the security application 251 generates and causesthe rendering of a user interface configured to receive commands foractions to be performed in response to the event. For example, the userinterface includes selectable options for ignoring the event, requestinga summary, contacting law enforcement, disabling the security device103, and other suitable options. In another example, the securityapplication 251 includes or is integrated with a location application,such as Waze™ Google Maps™, etc., and the user can view the currentlocation of the security device 103 in virtually real time.

In various embodiments, activating an alarm state may include soundingan audible alarm, activating certain sensors 218 for gatheringadditional data relating to the intrusion (e.g., video data foridentifying the intruder, GPS data for locating the site of theintrusion, etc.), flashing a light, enabling voice commands orinteraction by a user to be audibly heard by persons in proximity to thesecurity device 103, etc. In other embodiments, activating an alarmstate may also disable certain functionalities of the vehicle 106, forexample, the ignition, accelerator, transmission, power steering, etc.Activating the alarm state can include sending notifications through oneor more third party services, such as via an API or a phone call. As anexample, the monitor application 215 transmits an indication of thealarm to a service associated with the automobile manufacturer (e.g.,OnStar®, BMW Assist®, mbrace®, CUE®, Uconnect®, Ford Sync®, or otherservice).

In some embodiments, the alarm can have several escalating alarm states.For example, the security device 103 may enter a first alarm state inresponse to detecting a human intrusion and an escalated alarm state inresponse to detecting an unauthorized attempt at removing or damagingthe security device 103. The monitor application 215 can take differentactions based on the level of the alarm state. As an example, themonitor application can sound an audible alarm in a first alarm stateand disable the vehicle 106 in an escalated state.

According to one embodiment, power usage of a transceiver 221A can beincreased or decreased in performance of one or more actions. Forexample, the transceiver 221A can be configured to a deactivated statein which the transceiver 221A draws a first magnitude of power. In thisexample, in response to receiving a command to transmit thenotification, the transceiver 221A can be configured to an activatedstate in which the transceiver 221A draws a second amount of powergreater than the first magnitude of power. In some embodiments, a signalfrom the transceiver 221A may interfere with certain types of sensors218A, such as, for example, a PIR sensor. The transceiver 221A may beturned off when not in use to limit or reduce the interference. Themonitor application 215 can schedule the transmission of data and/orcause data transmission on an ad hoc basis based on various inputs. Inone example, the monitor application 215 can enable the transceiver 221Aand transmit data in response to an alarm event occurring.

The monitor application 215 can alter behavior related to a sensor 218known to conflict with the transceiver 221A when the transceiver 221A isenabled. As an example, the monitor application 215 may ignore a valueread from a PIR sensor 218 meeting or exceeding a threshold when thetransceiver 221A is in an enabled state. As another example, the monitorapplication 215 may increase or decrease or otherwise modify a thresholdfor triggering an alarm or taking another action based on whether thetransceiver 221A is enabled.

In at least one embodiment, a second sensor 218 can be activated toobtain secondary readings for analysis. The secondary readings can beused to determine that a first set of readings corresponds to a falsepositive. In one example, in response to a first PIR sensor 218recording a first intensity reading greater than a predeterminedthreshold, the monitor application 215 can activate a second PIR sensor218 that records a secondary intensity reading. In this example, inresponse to the secondary intensity falling below the predeterminedthreshold (or a separate threshold), the monitor application 215determines that the first intensity reading corresponds to a falsepositive and prevents the activation of an alarm and/or notificationtransmission. No limitation is placed on a number of sensors 218 thatcan be activated or read. For example, in response to a second sensor218 demonstrating readings in excess of a predetermined threshold, athird, fourth, fifth, and etc., sensor 218 can be read to obtainadditional readings.

In some embodiments, for the purposes of conserving power, among otherpotential purposes, a first sensor 218 may be a lower power sensor and asecond sensor 218 can be a higher power sensor. For example, a firstsensor 218 can be a PIR sensor and a second sensor 218 can be anultrasonic or microwave sensor that consumes a greater magnitude ofpower than the first sensor 218. In various embodiments, the power usageof a currently activated sensor 218 is increased to increase a range,sensitivity, intensity, or other property improving performance of thesensor 218. In at least one embodiment, the increase of the range,sensitivity, intensity, or other property does not include increasing amagnitude of power provided to a sensor 218. In one example, in responseto a sensor 218 demonstrating readings in excess of a predeterminedthreshold, the monitor application 215 increases a sensitivity ofthereof to generate additional readings with greater specificity,accuracy and/or precision. In one or more embodiments, adjustments ofrange, sensitivity, intensity, power, or other sensor properties areperformed based on a stored profile. The profile can be downloaded fromthe computing environment 203 or another source, for example, duringinstallation or registration of the security device 103.

In another example, in response to determining that a key fob has a lowbattery level, a notification is transmitted to the user's mobile device206, the notification instructing the user to replace the battery of orcharge the key fob. In another example, in response to determining thata particular version of software is outdated (e.g., and/or that a newerversion is available), a notification is transmitted to the mobiledevice 206 and/or the newer version of software is automaticallydownloaded from a remote server.

At step 2315, the process 2300 includes determining if a disarmingcommand is received. The disarming command can refer to a command toconfigure the security device 103 to a disarmed state or to disable analarm state thereof (e.g., and maintain the armed state). The disarmingcommand can be received remotely via the security application 251 orcomputing environment 203. The disarming command can be received from amobile device 206 such as a registered key fob or RFID device.

In response to determining that a disarming command is received, adisarming process 2600 (FIG. 26) can be performed. By the disarmingprocess 2600, the security device 103 can be transitioned to a disarmedstate, which may include one or more modes such as a low power or lowfrequency mode. The process 2300 can repeat step 2315 to continuouslylisten for a disarming command. In some embodiments, following apredetermined time period (e.g., 1 hour, 1 day, etc.), the disarmingcommand is automatically initiated at the security device 103.

With reference to FIG. 24, shown is a flowchart of an exemplary devicesetup process 2400. At step 2403, the process 2400 includes insertingthe security device 103 into a target site or otherwise attaching thedevice to the site. In one example, the security device 103 is insertedinto a cup-holder of a vehicle 106. In another example, the securitydevice 103 is inserted into a door receptacle. Other non-limitingexamples of target sites include, but are not limited to, dashboards,compartments (e.g., glovebox, center console, etc.), air vents, armrests, buckles, steering wheels, and windows. The security device 103can be inserted in a disarmed state in which a locking mechanism 230 isdisabled and an engaging component thereof is enabled. Inserting thesecurity device 103 can include connecting the security device 103 to apower source 227, such as an auxiliary power outlet. In someembodiments, step 2403 includes attaching one or more sensors 218 and/orremote devices 209 in or around the vehicle 106. For example, a sensor218 for reading data from an OBD system 128 is inserted into an OBDport. In another example, a camera sensor 218 is secured to thedashboard.

At step 2406, the process 2400 includes securing the position of thesecurity device 103. To secure the position, the locking mechanism 230can be engaged. For example, the first portion of the security device103 can be rotated in a first direction (e.g., with respect to thesecond portion) from a first position to a second position. In thisexample, the rotation to the second position causes a plurality of legsto extend outward and contact walls of the target site. The continuedrotation of the first portion can apply an outward force to the wallsthat generates frictional forces securing the security device 103 at thetarget site by providing resistance to upward or lateral forces. In someembodiments, the rotation of the first portion proceeds until amechanism prevents further rotation. For example, upon the first portionrotating to a predetermined degree and/or upon a predetermined magnitudeof outward force being applied by the legs, a slip clutch mechanism canengage and prevent further rotation of the first portion or suspend alinkage between the first portion and the plurality of legs such thatthe first portion may rotate without increasing the magnitude of theoutward force. The slip clutch mechanism can prevent damage to thesecurity device 103 and to the walls of the target site.

In one example, the plurality of legs are extended based on a radiallyapplied outward force from a ridge of a disk that engages withcorresponding ridges (and gaps therebetween) of each of the plurality oflegs. In this example, the rotation of the disk causes the ridge thereofto apply the radial force to the ridges of each of the plurality oflegs, thereby causing the extension. In another example, the pluralityof legs are extended based on a force applied to the first portiontoward the second portion that results in the downward movement of thefirst portion being translated into outward movement of the plurality oflegs. In another example, the first portion is drawn upwards from thesecond portion and the upward movement causes generation of a suction orvacuum force between the second portion and a surface of the targetsite, thereby securing the position of the security device 103. In someembodiments the device position is secured automatically, for example,in response to a command from the mobile device 206 or computingenvironment 203.

In some embodiments, securing the security device 103 includes disablingan engaging component. The monitor application 215 can detect that thelocking mechanism 230 is engaged and, in response to the detection,disable the engaging component. In one example, in response todetermining the first portion has been rotated from the first positionto the second position, the monitor application 215 determines that thesecurity device 103 has transitioned from an unlocked to a locked stateand disables the engaging component. In another example, upondetermining that a slip clutch mechanism has been engaged, the monitorapplication 215 automatically disables the engaging component. Theengaging component can remain disabled, for example, until receipt of acommand to enable the engaging component.

At step 2409, the process 2400 includes activating the security device103. Activating the security device 103 includes, for example, pressinga button or providing another input to the security device 103. In someembodiments, the security device 103 is automatically activated uponengaging the locking mechanism 230. The monitor application 215 canreceive an activation command from the mobile device 206 or thecomputing environment 203.

In some embodiments, activating the security device 103 includestransmitting an activation signal. In one example, upon the lockingmechanism 230 being engaged, the security device 103 automaticallytransmits an activation signal to the computing environment 203. In thisexample, the security service 233 authenticates the activation signaland determines the activation of the security device 103. Authenticatingthe activation signal can include, for example, initiating a dualauthentication, challenge and response, or other process at the securityapplication 251. In another example, upon being connected to the powersource 227, the security device 103 automatically transmits anactivation signal to the mobile device 206. In this example, thesecurity application 251 authenticates the activation signal andgenerates a notification alerting the user of the activation. Theactivation signal can include various data including, but not limitedto, an identifier associated with the security device 103, location datafrom a GPS sensor 218, and other information related to the status ofthe security device 103 or the vehicle 106.

In at least one embodiment, activating the security device 103 includesdownloading a profile for configuring one or more sensors 218 and/or forcommunicating with an OBD system 257. The profile can be based on a makemodel, and/or type of the vehicle 106, a user account with which thesecurity device 103 is associated, or other factors. In one example, atype of the vehicle (e.g., compact car) is transmitted to the computingenvironment 203. In response to receiving the vehicle type, thecomputing environment 203 retrieves and transmits a particular profilefrom a plurality of profiles stored in the data store 236 or that isdownloaded from a third party service, such as a manufacturer service.In response to receiving the particular profile, the monitor application215 adjusts sensitivities of a PIR sensor 218A and an ultrasonic sensor218B to improve a quality of readings therefrom and/or to reduce alikelihood of false positives occurring. For example, based on theprofile, a range parameter of the ultrasonic sensor 218B is reduced toconform to the reduced dimensions of the compact car-type vehicle 106.In another example, a profile for a vehicle 106 indicates that thevehicle 106 is a convertible. In this example, audio sensors aredeactivated (e.g., to prevent false positives) and a PIR sensor iscalibrated to increase a threshold value for detecting intrusions (e.g.,to reduce a risk of ambient light triggering a false positive).

A selection can be received for a particular profile from a plurality ofprofiles and the selected profile can be downloaded and/or transmittedto the security device 103. As an example, a security application 251generates a user interface comprising a plurality of profiles andmetadata corresponding to each of the plurality of profiles (e.g., suchas a make, model, etc. with which the profile is associated). In thisexample, a user selects a particular profile of the plurality ofprofiles, and the particular profile is transmitted to the securitydevice 103.

The security device 103 can download a profile of the vehicle 106 basedon make, model, and other information, such as information provided by auser to a security application 251. In one example, the security device103 determines that vehicle 106 is manufactured by Buick™. In thisexample, the monitor application 215 communicates with the securityservice 233 and/or an external system 259 (e.g., hosted by themanufacturer) to identify and download a profile associated with themake of the vehicle 106. Continuing this example, the profile isprocessed and one or more calibration parameters are extracted thatcorrespond to one or more sensors 218. The calibration parameterincludes, for example, an updated value for a predetermined thresholdthat is used by audio sensors for detecting window breaks. The thresholdcan be a frequency and/or decibel threshold that is lowered to theupdated value in response to the vehicle 106 having thicker windows thanvehicles of other makes (e.g., which may result in sounds of windowbreaks having a lower frequency and/or lower volume).

At step 2412, the process 2400 includes pairing the security device 103with the mobile device 206, vehicle 106, a user account, and/or othercomputing devices or profiles. Pairing can include, but is not limitedto, updating user data 239 to indicate an association between thesecurity device 103, the mobile device 206, the vehicle 106. Forexample, a user can input an identifier from the security device 103into the security application 251 that transmits a signal to thecomputing environment 203. In this example, in response to receiving thesignal, the computing environment 203 can authenticate the identifierand associate the user with the security device 103 (e.g., by updatinguser data 239 for a user account). In another example, the user scans abarcode, QR code, or other indicia and the monitor application 215extracts or generates the identifier of the security device 103 based onthe scan. In this example, the security service 233 can receive andauthenticate the identifier to pair the device. In at least oneembodiment, pairing the security device 103 can include receivinginformation associated with the vehicle 106 and/or the user. Forexample, in response to receiving the activation signal, the securityapplication 251 can launch a window requesting a license plate, vehiclemake, and vehicle model of the vehicle 106. In another example, thesecurity application 251 can request the user capture a facial image ofthemselves and/or provide other credentials for use in securing accessto the security device 103 and authenticating future commands to thesame.

With reference to FIG. 25, shown is a flowchart of an exemplary devicearming process 2500. At step 2503, the process 2500 includesauthenticating a command. Authenticating the command can includedetermining that an identifier included therein corresponds to a storedidentifier associated with the security device 103 and/or a useraccount. In another example, authenticating the command includes thesecurity application 251 generating an authentication window on themobile device 206. In this example, the authentication window caninclude a field for receiving credentials or other selection forauthenticating the command. As another example, the computingenvironment 203 transmits a request to the mobile device 206 for captureof a facial image of the user. In this example, in response to receivingthe facial image, the security service 233 compares the facial image toa stored facial image and authenticates the identity of the user, whichresults in authentication of the command.

At step 2506, the process 2500 includes securing the locking mechanism230. For example, the security device 103 can receive a command todisable the engaging component of the locking mechanism 230. In thisexample, disabling the engaging component can include transmitting anelectrical signal to a motor unit causing the rotation of a cam suchthat a connection plate and one or more pins thereof retract upward froma clutch mechanism (e.g., from apertures within a second disk forming aportion of the clutch mechanism).

At 2509, the process 2500 includes configuring one or more sensors 218.Configuring the sensor 218 can include, but is not limited to,activating the sensor 218, transitioning the sensor 218 to a particularmode, and adjusting other parameters of sensor performance. The securityservice 233 or monitor application 215 can retrieve configuration data245 for each sensor 218. Each sensor 218 can receive a command causing aconfiguration change according to the corresponding configuration data245. The mobile device 206 can receive selections configuring a mode orother parameter of the sensor 218. In one example, the sensor 218 can betransitioned from a low power mode to a normal- or high-power mode. Inanother example, the security application 251 can receive a selection toconfigure the security device 103 to a pet-friendly mode. In thisexample, the security application 251 can retrieve configuration data245 associated with the pet-friendly mode and reduce a sensitivity ofthe sensor 218. In another example, the selection is for a valet-modeand, in response to the selection, one or more sensors 218 aredeactivated including, but not limited to, an ultrasonic sensor 218, aPIR sensor 218, a weight sensor 218, and other sensors. In anotherexample, the selection is for a sensitive mode and, in response to theselection, the sensitivity of a microwave sensor 218 increased to detectmovement outside of the vehicle 106.

At step 2512, the process 2500 includes transmitting a notificationindicating the transition of the security device 103 to the armed state.The notification can comprise a text message, email, pop-up alert, orother electronic message. In one example, the security device 103transmits a notification to the security application 251 that causes amessage, such as “Armed State Initiated,” to be rendered on the display248. In another example, the security application 251 updates a tool baron the display 248 to include indicia indicating the armed state. Inanother example, the notification comprises activating a lightingelement, such as an LED, on the security device 103 to visually indicatethe armed state.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of an exemplary device disarming process 2600according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

At step 2603, the process 2600 includes authenticating a command. Theactions performed to authenticate the command can be generally similarto one or more actions performed at step 2503 of the process 2500 (FIG.25). For example, the command includes authentication data, such as anidentifier and/or credentials, that are verified against user data 239.In another example, the security application 251 initiates an interfacefor capturing a facial image of a user that is compared to a storedfacial image. According to one embodiment, if the command is notauthenticated, the process 1400 can be suspended and one or more actionscan be taken including, but not limited to, transmitting alerts, storingdata, such as a time and transmission source, associated with thecommand, and other appropriate actions.

At step 2606, the process 2600 includes releasing the locking mechanism230. In one example, in response to authenticating the command, theengaging component can be enabled, thereby allowing the security device103 to be removed from a cup holder or other location within the vehicle106. Enabling the engaging component can include causing a motor unit torotate a cam such that one or more pins of a connection plate are drivendownward and received into a second disk. In some embodiments, theprocess 2600 omits step 2606 and, thus, the security device 103 remainsin a locked state within the vehicle 106 but is configured, as furtherdiscussed below, such that alarms and other actions are not taken inresponse to activities occurring in or around the vehicle 106.

At step 2609, the process 1400 includes configuring one or more sensors218 such that sensor readings do not cause an alarm to be raised (e.g.,in response to the security device 103 determining that a potentialintrusion has occurred). The sensor 218 can be configured to one or moremodes, such as, for example, a low power mode. In another example, thesensor 218 is configured to a valet mode or pet friendly mode. In someembodiments, the sensor 218 is deactivated. In at least one embodiment,a second sensor 218 is activated. For example, to conserve power, acamera sensor can be deactivated and an ultrasonic sensor (e.g., whichmay use less power than the camera sensor) is activated.

At step 2612, the process 1400 includes transmitting a notificationindicating the transition of the security device 103 to the disarmedstate and/or particular mode (e.g., pet friendly mode, low power mode,etc.). The notification can comprise a text message, email, pop-upalert, or other electronic message. In one example, the security device103 transmits a notification to the security application 251 that causesa message, such as “Security Device Disarmed,” to be rendered on thedisplay 248. The security application 251 updates a tool bar on thedisplay 248 to include indicia indicating the disarmed state and/orparticular mode. For example, the display 248 can be updated to includea paw print symbol indicating a pet friendly mode or an unlock symbolindicating the disarmed state. In some embodiments, the notificationcomprises activating or deactivating a lighting element, such as an LED,on the security device 103 to visually indicate the disarmed state. Forexample, a color of an LED switches from red to green, therebyindicating the transition from the armed state to the disarmed state.

With reference to FIG. 27, shown is a flowchart of an exemplarylocation-based detection process 2700. At step 2703, the process 2700includes receiving and authenticating an authentication request.Authenticating the authentication request can include extracting andauthenticating credentials. In one example, the security service 233receives an authentication request from the security application 251that comprises a security device identifier and user credentials. Inthis example, the security service 233 can extract the security deviceidentifier and user credentials and determine that the extractedinformation matches corresponding information from user data 239.

At step 2706, the process 2700 includes analyzing location data. Thelocation data can include, for example, a longitude and latitude orother forms of GPS-based coordinates. The location data can be receivedfrom a GPS sensor 218 of the mobile device 206 or another device on theperson of the user, such as a key fob. In one embodiment, the analysiscan include comparing the location data to one or more geofencesdefining a predetermined area surrounding the vehicle 106. In oneexample, the security service 233 retrieves a location of the securitydevice 103 and generates a geofence of a predetermined distance aroundthe security device 103. Continuing this example, the security service233 compares the location data to the geofence to determine if themobile device 206 or other device (e.g., and thus the user) has movedbeyond a predetermined distance from the security device 103. In anotherexample, the security application 251 receives a location of the vehicle106 from a GPS sensor 218 or OBD system 257. Based on the vehiclelocation and the location data, the security application 251 computes adistance between the vehicle 106 and the mobile device 206.

At step 2709, the process 2700 includes determining, based on thelocation data analysis, whether the mobile device 206 (e.g., a key fobor other device) has moved beyond a predetermined range of the vehicle106. For example, the security service 233 can determine that the mobiledevice 206 has exited the geofence. In another example, the securityapplication 251 determines that the distance between the vehicle 106 andthe mobile device 206 meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold. In oneexample, the distance may meet or exceed the predetermined thresholdwhen a value is either greater than or equal, or less than or equal to avalue of the predetermined threshold. In response to determining thatthe mobile device 206 has moved beyond the geofence, the process 2700can proceed to step 2712. In response to determining that the mobiledevice 206 has not moved beyond the geofence, the process 2700 canproceed to step 2715. In some embodiments, a loss of communication withthe mobile device 206 is used to determine that the predeterminedgeofence has been traversed. For example, in response to a failure tointerrogate a key fob, the monitor application 215 determines that thekey fob has moved beyond a predetermined distance from the vehicle 106.

At step 2712, the process 2700 includes transmitting an arming commandto the security device 103. For example, the computing environment 203can send an arming command to the security device 103 that initiates thedevice arming process 2500. The arming command can include one or moremodes or other operating parameters. For example, the command caninstruct the security device 103 to initiate an armed mode for apredetermined period, after which the security device 103 initiates adisarming mode or transmits a query to the security application 251. Inanother example, in response to determining that the mobile device 206has moved beyond a predetermined range of the security device 103, anengagement component of the security device is disabled.

At step 2715, the process 2700 includes determining if the mobile device206 has moved with a predetermined range of the vehicle 106. In at leastone embodiment, the process 2700 proceeds to step 2715 upon determiningthat the security device 103 is currently in the armed mode. In responseto determining that the mobile device 206 has moved within thepredetermined range of the vehicle 106, the process 2700 can proceed tostep 2718. In response to determining that the mobile device 206 has notmoved within the predetermined range, the process 2700 can be suspended.

In one example, the security application 251 determines that thedistance between the security device 103 and the mobile device 206 isless than a predetermined minimum. In another example, the securityservice 233 determines that the mobile device 206 has entered a geofencearound the vehicle 106. In another example, in response to determiningthat the mobile device 206 has moved within a predetermined range of thesecurity device 103, an engagement component of the security device 103is enabled.

At step 2718, the process 2700 includes transmitting a disarming commandto the security device 103. For example, the computing environment 203can send a disarming command to the security device 103 that initiatesthe device disarming process 2600.

With reference to FIG. 28, shown is an exemplary command process 2800according to one embodiment. At step 2803, the process 2800 includesauthenticating a command, such as, for example, a command for purchaseof a particular product or service from an external system (e.g.,associated with a physical or online store, a restaurant, etc.).Authenticating the command can include processing inputs to a securityapplication 251 or processing recording from one or more sensors 218. Inone example, an audio sensor 218 records a user announcing a command topurchase a particular product. In this example, the audio stream can beanalyzed to extract the voice command (e.g., which may occur at thesecurity service 233, security application 251, or a third-partyservice). In another example, a video sensor 218 records a userperforming a particular gesture. In this example, the video stream isanalyzed to extract the particular gesture and the particular gesture iscompared to one or more stored gestures to extract the command.

The command can be authenticated in a manner generally similar tomanners in which commands are authenticated at step 2503 (see FIG. 25)or step 2603 (see FIG. 26). In one example, authenticating a voicecommand includes performing a voice recognition technique to confirmthat the voice command matches a voice associated with a particular useraccount. In another example, authenticating a gesture-based commandincludes performing a biometric recognition technique to confirm thatthe gesturing user is the same user associated with a particular useraccount.

The command can be authenticated based on location data and/or detectionof a mobile device. For example, a voice command for purchase of a fooditem at a drive-thru restaurant is authenticated based on determiningthat location data from a GPS sensor 218 (or from an OBD system 257) iswithin a predetermined proximity to the drive-thru restaurant (e.g.,thereby indicating the security device 103, vehicle 106, mobile device206, and/or user is within the predetermined proximity). As anotherexample, a gesture command is authenticated based on detection of anear-field communication device. In some embodiments, a dualverification process is used to authenticate the command. For example,in response to processing a voice command, the monitor application 215can transmit a signal to the security application 251 causing a userinterface to be rendered on an associated mobile device 206. Continuingthis example, based on a confirmation, password, image, etc., input bythe user to the user interface, the command is authenticated.

The command can be received from a POS device 161, for example, inresponse to the security device 103 moving within a predetermined rangeof the POS device 161 or another location, such as a store. In anexemplary scenario, the vehicle 106 moves within a predeterminedproximity of a POS device 161 at a drive thru window of a restaurant. Inresponse to the vehicle 106 moving within the predetermined proximity,the POS device 161 transmits a command, including a POS identifier and arequest for payment processing details, to the security device 103. Thesecurity device 103 authenticates the command by transmitting the POSidentifier and location data to a commerce service 263. The commerceservice 263 confirms that the POS identifier and location data match astored POS identifier associated with the location and, in response tothe confirmation, transmits an authentication signal to the securitydevice 103.

In various embodiments, a command to generate a random or pseudo-randomnumber is initiated and authenticated. In one example, a securityapplication 251 initiates a command to generate a pseudo-random numberfor verifying a firmware image of the security device 103.

At step 2806, the process 2800 includes processing the command.Processing the command can include, for example, determining aparticular product or service corresponding to the command. In oneexample, the command is “Order a Combo No. 2 from Taco King,” and, inresponse, the monitor application 215 identifies a particular externalsystem 259 (e.g., associated with Taco King) and a particular product,Combo No. 2. Continuing this example, the monitor application 215transmits a signal to the security application 251 that, in response,causes a user interface to be updated with a summary of the command. Inthis same example, the security application 251 can receive a responsefrom the user that confirms or rejects the retrieved external system 259or product. In a similar example, a POS device 161 receives theprocessed command (e.g., via NFC transmission from the security device103 or other wireless means) and updates a display near the vehicle 106to include a summary of the command.

Additional commands revising or adding to the first command can also bereceived, authenticated and processed. For example, an audio sensor canrecord a user announcing “Add a Large Soda,” and, in response, themonitor application 215 identifies the requested product, large soda,and causes the security application 251 to update the interface toinclude the additional product. As another example, a camera sensor canrecord a user making a thumbs-down gesture and, in response, the monitorapplication 215 can cause the security application 251 to suspend theuser interface.

In at least one embodiment, processing the command includes identifyingone or more firmware images associated with one or more security devices103, sensors 218, remote devices 209, or other devices. In someembodiments, processing the command includes generating a random orpseudo-random number that is used, for example, as a seed for generatinga local hash of the identified firmware.

At step 2809, the process 2800 includes performing one or more actionsbased on the command. The one or more actions can include, but are notlimited to, generating and/or transmitting one or more orders forrequested products or services to an external system, processing arequest for payment from the external system (e.g., as received from anear-field communication device or a remote server), retrieving andtransmitting payment processing information, authenticating paymentprocessing information, and authorizing payment for an order.

In one example, the monitor application 215 transmits a request to anonline ticketing service (e.g., hosted by an external system 259) fortwo tickets to a concert. In this example, in response to receiving therequest, the external system 259 generates an order for the two ticketsand transmits a request for payment. Continuing this example, inresponse to receiving the request for payment, the monitor application215 retrieves and transmits one or more payment credentials (e.g.,credit card information, wallet ID, etc.) to the external system 259 oranother third-party payment processor. The one or more paymentcredentials can be retrieved from user data 239 or can be input by theuser to the security device 103 (e.g., vocally) to the securityapplication 251 (e.g., via selections on a user interface. In someembodiments, a dual verification process is initiated in which the useris instructed to review and confirm the payment credentials. Continuingthe above example, the external system 259 authenticates and processesthe transaction and the two tickets are transmitted to the user's mobiledevice 206.

In a similar example, the payment processing information is transmittedto a nearby POS device 161, which communicates with a commerce service263 to initiate an order for the two tickets. In this example, inresponse to the communication, the POS device 161 transmits a requestfor payment credentials (e.g., credit card number, expiration, name,etc.) to the security device 103, which authenticates the request andretrieves and transmits the payment credentials to the POS device 161.In the same example, the POS device 161 generates and processes theorder using the payment credentials. Continuing this example, inresponse to successfully processing the order, the POS device 161transmits a signal to the commerce system 263 that causes the requestedtickets to be transmitted to a mobile device 206 associated with thesecurity device 103.

In another example, the POS device 161 is proximate to a drive thruwindow of a restaurant. In this example, a user associated with avehicle 106 has placed an order for food at the restaurant and thevehicle 106, which includes a security device 103, is moved within apredetermined range of the POS device 161. In response to the movement,the POS device 161 automatically detects the security device 103 andrequests payment credentials. The request is communicated to the uservia a notification pushed to a security application 251. In response tothe user confirming the request at the security application 251, thesecurity device 103 downloads a profile associated with the user andtransmits payment credentials therein to the POS device 161. The POSdevice 161 processes the purchase of the food and the security device103 generates an audible notification in response to receiving a signalindicating the successful processing.

In at least one embodiment, a seed is generated and a local hash of anidentified firmware image is generated using the seed. In one example,the seed is a pseudo-random number and the local hash is generated by asecurity service 233. A request to hash a firmware image being executedon the security device 103 (or another device) can be transmitted. Therequest can include the pseudo-random number for use as a seed inhashing the firmware image. In one example, the security service 233identifies a firmware image associated with a security device 103,generates a pseudo-random number, generates a local hash of theassociated firmware image, and transmits a request to a monitorapplication 215 to generate a hash of the firmware image being executedon the security device 103 (e.g., using the pseudo-random number as aseed). In this example, in response to the request, the monitorapplication 215 hashes the firmware image using the pseudo-random numberand transmits the result of the hash to the security service 233.

A result of the hashing of the executed firmware image can be comparedto the local hash and one or more remedial actions can be performedbased on the comparison. For example, in response to the resultdiffering from the local hash, the security device 103 is disabled. In asimilar example, an alert is transmitted to a mobile device 206associated with the security device 103, the alert indicating that thesecurity device 103 requires an update. In another example, an update isautomatically initiated at the security device 103. In this example, anoptimal version of the firmware image (and/or one or more intermediaryimages) are identified and downloaded to the security device 103 and thesecurity device 103 initiates an update for transitioning the currentversion of the firmware to the optimal version (e.g., which may includefirst transitioning to the one or more intermediary versions).

At step 2812, the process 2800 includes transmitting a notification. Forexample, in response to the external system processing the requestedtransaction, a summary of the initial command and/or the transaction canbe transmitted as a push notification to the user's mobile device 206.In another example, the security application 251 can generate anotification indicating the execution of the command. In anotherexample, the security device 103 can emit a particular sound and/or emita particular light color or pattern to indicate the execution of thecommand. In this example, the security device 103 emits a green light toindicate a successful execution of the command or a red light toindicate an unsuccessful execution of the command (e.g., a failure toprocess the transaction, identify a requested product, communicate withan external system, etc.). In another example, a notification istransmitted to the user's mobile device 206 indicating the update to thefirmware image of the security device 103. In some embodiments, thesecurity device 103 can play one or more recorded messages, such as, forexample, a query for additional commands or an explanation for thefailed execution of the command.

FIGS. 29A-C are exemplary windows of a mobile application according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure. In one example, thewindows shown in FIGS. 29A-C are initiated by a security application 251on a display 248 of a mobile device 206 (see FIG. 2).

FIG. 29A shows an exemplary login window 2900A of the mobileapplication. The login page 2900A can include text fields 2901A, 2901Bfor accepting user login credentials (e.g., username, password, etc.),or new users may select another field (not shown) to create/register newaccounts at a registration window 2900B (FIG. 29B). In some embodiments,the identity of the user is verified using one or more techniques,including, but not limited to, multi-factor authentication, biometricauthentication, or other enhanced security features.

FIG. 29B shows an exemplary registration window 2900B by which a usermay establish a new account for association with a particular securitydevice. The registration window 2900B can include a plurality of fields2903 for receiving various information. The various information caninclude one or more of, but is not limited to, name, email, telephonenumber, username, password, automobile make and model, license platenumber, driver's license number, security device identification number,facial image, etc.

FIG. 29C shows an exemplary control window 2900C by which a user maycontrol various functions of the mobile application and one or moresecurity devices (e.g., security devices 103). The window 2900C includesa notification bar 2905 that can be updated to include one or moreindicia 2907. The indicia 2907 can communicate a current status of asecurity device. For example, a lock symbol can be displayed in responseto the security device being configured to an armed state. In anotherexample, a paw print symbol in response to the security device (or oneor more connected sensors) being configured to a pet-friendly mode.

The window 2900C can include a notification 2909 that provides atext-based summary of a status of the security device. In one example,the notification 2909 reads “Care is safe. Alarm off.” to indicate thata security device (installed within a vehicle) is in communication withthe security application 251 and that the security device is configuredin a disarmed state. In another example, the notification 2909 reads“Potential intrusion detected. Alarm on.” to indicate that the securitydevice detected a potential intrusion event and is configured in anarmed state.

The window 2900C can include a map 2911 that can display a pin 2913corresponding to a current location of the security device. The map 2911can include multiple pins 2913 corresponding to locations of multiplesecurity devices (e.g., each associated with a shared user account)and/or locations of mobile devices, such as a user's smartphone. In atleast one embodiment, the map 2911 includes a geofence (not shown)defining a predetermined area surrounding the security device. The usermay adjust the geofence via inputs provided to the map 2911. Forexample, the user may slide a finger across the map 2911 to expand orcontract the geofence.

The window 2900C can include a plurality of selectable fields 2915A,2915B, 2915 that each correspond to a particular command or action. Inone example, the field 2915A is selected to initiate an arming of thesecurity device. In another example, the field 2915B is selected tocontact law enforcement. In this example, in response to the field 2915Bbeing selected, the security application 251 launches a dialing window(not shown) that is preconfigured with a number for local lawenforcement (e.g., determined based on a current location of thesecurity device). In another example, the field 2915C is selected todeactivate an alarm function of the security device. In this example,the selection of the field 2915C can cause a second set of fields to berendered that include options for configuring the security device to beconfigured to various modes, such as a pet-friendly, valet, or low powermode. It will be understood and appreciated that any of the variousfunctions and modes of security devices described herein may includecorresponding fields displayable within the window 2900C.

FIG. 30A shows a perspective view of an exemplary top portion 3000A. Thetop portion 3000A can be included in the security device 103 in place ofthe top portion 303. The top portion 3000A can include a mount 3001 thatcan be configured to receive and hold a mobile device 206. The mount3001 can include high friction, adhesive, and/or magnetic materials forsecuring the position of the mobile device 206. The mount 3001 can beconfigured to rotate independently from the top portion 3000A.

FIG. 30B shows a perspective view of an exemplary top portion 3000B. Thetop portion 3000B can be included in the security device 103 in place ofthe top portion 303. The top portion 3000B can include a cup holder 3003configured to receive a beverage or other item. The top portion 3000Bcan include a mount 3005 for receiving and securing a mobile device 206.One or more sensors 218 can be attached to the mount 3005. For example,a motion sensor can be attached at or near the top of the mount 3005.The mount 3005 can include a portion 3007 that comprisesfriction-generating, magnetic, and/or adhesive materials for securingthe position of the mobile device 206.

FIG. 30C shows a perspective view of an exemplary top portion 3000C. Thetop portion 3000C can be included in the security device 103 in place ofthe top portion 303. The top portion 3000C can include a cup holder 3003and a mount 3005, and can be configured to receive a sensor 218.

FIG. 30D shows a perspective view of an exemplary top portion 3000D. Thetop portion 3000D can be included in the security device 103 in place ofthe top portion 303. The top portion 3000D can include a cup holder 3003and/or a slot 3009. The slot 3009 can be sized to accommodate a mobiledevice 206 or other objects, such as business cards, credit cards, etc.The top portion 3000D can include an indicator 3011 that includes one ormore lighting elements for signaling a status of the security device103.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that various aspects of theprocesses described herein are software processes that execute oncomputer systems that form parts of the system. Accordingly, it will beunderstood that various embodiments of the system described herein aregenerally implemented as specially-configured computers includingvarious computer hardware components and, in many cases, significantadditional features as compared to conventional or known computers,processes, or the like, as discussed in greater detail herein.Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure also includecomputer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executableinstructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readablemedia can be any available media which can be accessed by a computer, ordownloadable through communication networks. By way of example, and notlimitation, such computer-readable media can comprise various forms ofdata storage devices or media such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM,CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, solidstate drives (SSDs) or other data storage devices, any type of removablenon-volatile memories such as secure digital (SD), flash memory, memorystick, etc., or any other medium which can be used to carry or storecomputer program code in the form of computer-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose computer,special purpose computer, specially-configured computer, mobile device,etc.

When information is transferred or provided over a network or anothercommunications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combinationof hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views theconnection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection isproperly termed and considered a computer-readable medium. Combinationsof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media. Computer-executable instructions comprise, forexample, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer,special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device such as amobile device processor to perform one specific function or a group offunctions.

Those skilled in the art will understand the features and aspects of asuitable computing environment in which aspects of the disclosure may beimplemented. Although not required, some of the embodiments of theclaimed systems may be described in the context of computer-executableinstructions, such as program modules or engines, as described earlier,being executed by computers in networked environments. Such programmodules are often reflected and illustrated by flow charts, sequencediagrams, exemplary screen displays, and other techniques used by thoseskilled in the art to communicate how to make and use such computerprogram modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs,functions, objects, components, data structures, application programminginterface (API) calls to other computers whether local or remote, etc.that perform particular tasks or implement particular defined datatypes, within the computer. Computer-executable instructions, associateddata structures and/or schemas, and program modules represent examplesof the program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein.The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associateddata structures represent examples of corresponding acts forimplementing the functions described in such steps.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the claimed and/ordescribed systems and methods may be practiced in network computingenvironments with many types of computer system configurations,including personal computers, smartphones, tablets, hand-held devices,multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumerelectronics, networked PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and thelike. Embodiments of the claimed system are practiced in distributedcomputing environments where tasks are performed by local and remoteprocessing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wirelesslinks, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links) through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

An exemplary system for implementing various aspects of the describedoperations, which is not illustrated, includes a computing deviceincluding a processing unit, a system memory, and a system bus thatcouples various system components including the system memory to theprocessing unit. The computer will typically include one or more datastorage devices for reading data from and writing data to. The datastorage devices provide nonvolatile storage of computer-executableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for thecomputer.

Computer program code that implements the functionality described hereintypically comprises one or more program modules that may be stored on adata storage device. This program code, as is known to those skilled inthe art, usually includes an operating system, one or more applicationprograms, other program modules, and program data. A user may entercommands and information into the computer through keyboard, touchscreen, pointing device, a script containing computer program codewritten in a scripting language or other input devices (not shown), suchas a microphone, etc. These and other input devices are often connectedto the processing unit through known electrical, optical, or wirelessconnections.

The computer that effects many aspects of the described processes willtypically operate in a networked environment using logical connectionsto one or more remote computers or data sources, which are describedfurther below. Remote computers may be another personal computer, aserver, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common networknode, and typically include many or all of the elements described aboverelative to the main computer system in which the systems are embodied.The logical connections between computers include a local area network(LAN), a wide area network (WAN), virtual networks (WAN or LAN), andwireless LANs (WLAN) that are presented here by way of example and notlimitation. Such networking environments are commonplace in office-wideor enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

When used in a LAN or WLAN networking environment, a computer systemimplementing aspects of the system is connected to the local networkthrough a network interface or adapter. When used in a WAN or WLANnetworking environment, the computer may include a modem, a wirelesslink, or other mechanisms for establishing communications over the widearea network, such as the Internet. In a networked environment, programmodules depicted relative to the computer, or portions thereof, may bestored in a remote data storage device. It will be appreciated that thenetwork connections described or shown are exemplary and othermechanisms of establishing communications over wide area networks or theInternet may be used.

While various aspects have been described in the context of a preferredembodiment, additional aspects, features, and methodologies of theclaimed systems will be readily discernible from the description herein,by those of ordinary skill in the art. Many embodiments and adaptationsof the disclosure and claimed systems other than those herein described,as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangementsand methodologies, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by thedisclosure and the foregoing description thereof, without departing fromthe substance or scope of the claims. Furthermore, any sequence(s)and/or temporal order of steps of various processes described andclaimed herein are those considered to be the best mode contemplated forcarrying out the claimed systems. It should also be understood that,although steps of various processes may be shown and described as beingin a preferred sequence or temporal order, the steps of any suchprocesses are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent a specific indication of such to achieve aparticular intended result. In most cases, the steps of such processesmay be carried out in a variety of different sequences and orders, whilestill falling within the scope of the claimed systems. In addition, somesteps may be carried out simultaneously, contemporaneously, or insynchronization with other steps.

Aspects, features, and benefits of the claimed devices and methods forusing the same will become apparent from the information disclosed inthe exhibits and the other applications as incorporated by reference.Variations and modifications to the disclosed systems and methods may beeffected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novelconcepts of the disclosure.

It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope ofthe disclosure is intended by the information disclosed in the exhibitsor the applications incorporated by reference; any alterations andfurther modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, andany further applications of the principles of the disclosure asillustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to oneskilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments has beenpresented only for the purposes of illustration and description and isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the devices and methods forusing the same to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teaching.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain theprinciples of the devices and methods for using the same and theirpractical application so as to enable others skilled in the art toutilize the devices and methods for using the same and variousembodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art to which the present devices andmethods for using the same pertain without departing from their spiritand scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present devices and methods forusing the same is defined by the appended claims rather than theforegoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle theft-prevention apparatus, comprising: a first portion of a cylindrical body; a second portion of the cylindrical body, the first portion configured to rotate about the second portion; a locking mechanism; and at least one computing device configured to: determine that the locking mechanism has transitioned from an unlocked state to a locked state in response to determining that a clutch mechanism has slipped; in response to determining that the locking mechanism has transitioned to the locked state, disable an engaging component of the locking mechanism; receive, via a network, a command to enable the engaging component; and in response to receiving the command, enabling the engaging component of the locking mechanism.
 2. The vehicle theft-prevention apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one computing device comprises a processor and a memory embedded within the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus.
 3. The vehicle theft-prevention apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a cam motor and the at least one computing device is configured to disable the engaging component of the locking mechanism by transmitting an electrical signal to cause the cam motor to rotate a cam.
 4. The vehicle theft-prevention apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cam is configured to lift at least one pin from at least one aperture to mechanically decouple the first portion from a plurality of legs.
 5. The vehicle theft-prevention apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to: disengage a lock based on a rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a first direction when the engaging component is enabled; and remain engaged based on a rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in the first direction when the engaging component is disabled.
 6. The vehicle theft-prevention apparatus of claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to: engage the lock based on a rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a second direction when the engaging component is enabled; and remain engaged based on a rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in the second direction when the engaging component is disabled.
 7. The vehicle theft-prevention apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one computing device is configured to determine that the locking mechanism has transitioned from the unlocked state to the locked state responsive to receiving a second command over the network from a mobile computing device.
 8. The vehicle theft-prevention apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one computing device is configured to determine that the locking mechanism has transitioned from the locked state to the unlocked state responsive to receiving a third command over the network from the mobile computing device.
 9. The vehicle theft-prevention apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to: determine that a mobile computing device is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus; and enable the engaging component in response to the mobile computing device being within the predetermined distance.
 10. The vehicle theft-prevention apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to: determine that a mobile computing device is outside of a predetermined distance from the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus; and disable the engaging component in response to the mobile computing device being outside of the predetermined distance.
 11. The vehicle theft-prevention apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to: determine that a key fob is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus; and enable the engaging component in response to the key fob being within the predetermined distance.
 12. A vehicle theft-prevention system, comprising: a mobile software application that, when executed by at least one first computing device, causes the at least one first computing device to: receive a request to disable an engagement component of a locking mechanism of a theft-prevention device; and send a command to the theft-prevention device to disable the engagement component; and the theft-prevention device comprising: the locking mechanism comprising the engagement component configured to extend one or more protrusions to secure the theft-prevention device into a cup holder of a vehicle; and at least one second computing device configured to: receive the command to disable the engagement component from the at least one first computing device; and in response to receiving the command, disable the engagement component of the locking mechanism by mechanically decoupling the one or more protrusions.
 13. The vehicle theft-prevention system of claim 12, wherein the theft-prevention device further comprises: a first portion of a body; and a second portion of the body, the first portion configured to rotate about the second portion.
 14. The vehicle theft-prevention system of claim 13, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to: cause the one or more protrusions to extend in response to a rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a first direction when the engagement component is enabled; and cause the one or more protrusions to remain stationary in response to a rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in the first direction when the engagement component is disabled.
 15. The vehicle theft-prevention system of claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to: cause the one or more protrusions to retract in response to a rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a second direction when the engagement component is enabled; and cause the one or more protrusions to remain stationary in response to a rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in the second direction when the engagement component is disabled.
 16. The vehicle theft-prevention system of claim 12, wherein the engagement component comprises a cam motor configured to rotate a cam, the cam being configured to pull a plurality of pins from within a plurality of apertures to mechanically decouple a first portion from the one or more protrusions.
 17. The vehicle theft-prevention system of claim 12, wherein the engagement component comprises a cam motor configured to rotate a cam, and the cam is configured to push a plurality of pins into a plurality of apertures to mechanically couple a first portion to the one or more protrusions.
 18. A method of disengaging a locking mechanism, comprising: rotating a first portion of a vehicle theft-prevention apparatus in a first direction relative to a second portion; extending, via a locking mechanism, a plurality of legs to secure the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus into a cup holder of a vehicle based on the first portion rotating relative to the second portion; and subsequent to extending the plurality of legs, mechanically decoupling the first portion from the plurality of legs.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: preventing movement of the plurality of legs when a plurality of pins are retracted from a plurality of apertures; and retracting the plurality of legs in response to a rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion when the plurality of pins are inserted into the plurality of apertures.
 20. A vehicle theft-prevention system, comprising: a theft-prevention device comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is configured to rotate relative to the second portion in a first direction; and a locking mechanism configured to: extend one or more protrusions to secure the theft-prevention device into a cup holder of a vehicle based on the first portion rotating relative to the second portion; and subsequent to extending the one or more protrusions, mechanically decouple the first portion from the one or more protrusions. 